Celebrating the leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses driving India’s growth from the regions.
Choose Your State
Gujarat Chapter · 2026
A research-led view of Gujarat’s business landscape
Recognising the strength of Gujarat’s businesses. A research-led initiative to identify leading businesses across priority sectors through factual assessment, consumer perception and independent verification.
The research objective is to identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Research and Insights leads the research, fact-file verification, scoring and ranking as Knowledge Partner.
Commercial participation is kept separate from research assessment.
A research-led view of Tamil Nadu’s business landscape
Recognising the strength of Tamil Nadu’s businesses. A research-led initiative to identify leading businesses across priority sectors through factual assessment, consumer perception and independent verification.
The research objective is to identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Research and Insights leads the research, fact-file verification, scoring and ranking as Knowledge Partner.
Commercial participation is kept separate from research assessment.
Recognising the strength of Delhi’s businesses. A research-led initiative to identify leading businesses across priority sectors through factual assessment, consumer perception and independent verification.
The research objective is to identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Research and Insights leads the research, fact-file verification, scoring and ranking as Knowledge Partner.
Commercial participation is kept separate from research assessment.
A research-led view of Maharashtra’s business landscape
Recognising the strength of Maharashtra’s businesses. A research-led initiative to identify leading businesses across priority sectors through factual assessment, consumer perception and independent verification.
The research objective is to identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Research and Insights leads the research, fact-file verification, scoring and ranking as Knowledge Partner.
Commercial participation is kept separate from research assessment.
A research-led view of Telangana’s business landscape
Recognising the strength of Telangana’s businesses. A research-led initiative to identify leading businesses across priority sectors through factual assessment, consumer perception and independent verification.
The research objective is to identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Research and Insights leads the research, fact-file verification, scoring and ranking as Knowledge Partner.
Commercial participation is kept separate from research assessment.
Businesses across the relevant sub-categories provide a structured fact file. The research plan also includes 25–30 retailer interviews.
Business fact file25–30 retailer interviews
Research methodology
A Five-Step Research Method
From identifying the business universe to finalising one awardee per sub-category.
01
Listing Exercise
300 interviews surface top-of-mind business names.
02
Desk Research
Directories, associations, filings and contact details.
03
Factual Survey
Fact files collected from businesses and independently verified.
04
Perceptual Survey
Face-to-face and telephonic consumer ratings.
05
Final Ranking
Factual and perceptual assessment, applied by evaluation route.
Category-specific evaluation
Four Evaluation Routes Fit the Method to the Category
The assessment route is selected to fit the category and the availability of reliable field inputs.
A
Factual + Perceptual
Factual information, consumer survey, mall exit survey, and client and expert validation.
Combined assessmentB
Factual-only fallback
Where field incidence is too low to read, assessment uses factual and secondary data only.
Low field incidenceC
Client & expert validation
Client and expert scores replace the consumer survey for this route.
Reference-ledD
Factual assessment
A factual-only scoring route, as shown in the composite scoring framework.
Factual route
Route descriptions are summarised from the methodology presentation. Route-specific scoring weights are not displayed pending confirmation of the final approved scorecard.
Selection journey
From a Wide Universe to One Awardee per Sub-category
Universe
Desk research and 300 consumer listing interviews.
Long list
15–25 names per sub-category after hygiene filters.
Fact-file invitation
Every long-listed entity is invited; 15 working days to respond.
Fact file submitted
Non-submitters may be used for survey benchmarking but are never ranked.
Verified
Documents, public records and outlet audits.
Scored & ranked
Factual and perceptual composite, as applicable to the route.
Eligible
Composite score of at least 60 and all applicable eligibility checks.
Awardee
One awardee per sub-category, subject to the final decision process.
Project timeline
Step by Step: Phases 0 to 4
PHASE 0Week 1
Set-up & Desk Research
Freeze categories, definitions and routes
Design, translate and pilot instruments
Listings, associations, chambers and filings
Contact details for players
Output: Research design pack and list generation
PHASE 1Week 2
Long List
Merge and de-duplicate
Apply hygiene filters
15–25 names; aided list up to 12
Output: Long and aided lists
PHASE 2Weeks 2–4
Fact-file Outreach
Co-branded invitation
15 working days, four follow-ups
25–30 retailer interviews
Output: Verified-ready fact files
PHASE 3Weeks 2–4
Perceptual Fieldwork
900 main + 120 mall exit interviews
Up to five categories per respondent
Client references and expert panel
Output: Clean survey data
PHASE 4Weeks 6–7
Scoring & Finalisation
Anonymised scorecards
Ratify one winner per sub-category
Citations and process certificate
Output: Signed awardee list
Research design
1,320 Consumer Interviews per City, Plus Business Inputs
1,320Consumer interviews per city300 + 900 + 120
Listing exercise300
Main perceptual900
Mall exit120
25–30Retailer interviews; semi-structured, used for calibration, not scored.
3–5Client references per Route C entity, picked at random.
≤20%Telephonic top-up limit for main interviews; face-to-face CAPI is the primary mode.
Listing interviews: CAPI, 8–10 minutes. Main perceptual questionnaire: 20–25 minutes. Mall exit interviews are for mall categories only. These are methodology design figures, not a claim that fieldwork has been completed.
Business fact-file process
15 Working Days to Complete a Fact File
Day 0Co-branded invitation emailed
Day 5Email reminder
Day 8Telephone follow-up
Day 12Second reminder
Day 14Final call
Day 15Response window closes
Ranking safeguards
Rules That Keep the Ranking Fair
Low-base rule
Under 30 raters, experience and advocacy are pulled towards the category average. Under 10, perceptual weight is halved and flagged.
Online rating adjustment
Google ratings are weighted by review count against the category mean and captured for all on one fixed date.
Non-submitters
They may be rated in the survey for complete benchmarks, but are never ranked, published or awarded.
Sole entity
Not ranked. Eligible only if it clears 60 and its perceptual score is at or above the category median.
Tie-break
Within 1.0 point: higher Experience score, then higher verified Factual score, then decision.
Eligibility checklist
Complete, signed and timely fact file; verification complete; hygiene filters passed; composite score of at least 60.
Roles & independence
Research Independence Is Kept Separate
The methodology defines separate responsibilities for the broadcaster’s business team and the Knowledge Partner.
01
CNBC Awaaz Business Team
Circulates the fact-sheet invitation to prospective clients
Handles sponsorships, partnerships and advertising
Points prospects to the designated submission link
Receives only the final, ratified awardee list
02
Research & Insights
Receives every fact sheet directly
Verifies, scores and ranks nominees
Does not contact prospects for monetisation
Does not share submitted data, scores or interim rankings
Commercial participation has no bearing on scores. Sponsor and prospect status is hidden from researchers and the jury, and the same rules apply to every nominee.
Media amplification
Coverage
Platforms, deliverables and visibility for Winners, Speakers and Associate Partners.
Amplified across
CNBC-TV18CNBC AwaazCNBC BajarNews18 GujaratiNews18 Tamil NaduForbes India
For Winners
Award Integration
Media Amplification · Media coverage for the Winner
6Properties8Deliverables
Event Microsite1 deliverable
CNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Winner mention under relevant category on the event microsite
On-ground2 deliverables
Stage PresenceDeliverables & Visibility
Winner felicitation on-stage with the Chief Guest
Media ByteDeliverables & Visibility
Winner media byte in the pre-event area
Television1 deliverable
CNBC AwaazCNBC BajarNews18 GujaratiNews18 Tamil Nadu
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverages and event highlights of the Winners award moment
Digital1 deliverable
Forbes IndiaCNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Mention and announcement coverage of Winners along with event overview in digital article
Social media2 deliverables
YouTube
CNBC-TV18CNBC AwaazCNBC Bajar
Deliverables & Visibility
Live full event coverage across the YT Channels
Instagram · LinkedIn
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
1 Exclusive Video Byte of Winner to be packaged & posted
Print1 deliverable
Forbes India · Magazine
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental announcement coverage of the Winner along with the event overview in Forbes India Magazine
For Speakers
Panel Discussion
Panelist Integration · Relevant panel, based on editorial discretion
6Properties8Deliverables
Event Microsite1 deliverable
CNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Speaker mention under relevant category on the event microsite
On-ground2 deliverables
Stage PresenceDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker opportunity in relevant panel discussion session (basis editorial discretion)
Media ByteDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker media byte in the pre-event area
Television1 deliverable
CNBC AwaazCNBC BajarNews18 GujaratiNews18 Tamil Nadu
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverages and event highlights featuring the Speaker
Digital1 deliverable
Forbes IndiaCNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage with speaker quote/mention in the digital article
Social media2 deliverables
YouTube
CNBC-TV18CNBC AwaazCNBC Bajar
Deliverables & Visibility
Live full event coverage across the YT Channels
Instagram · LinkedIn
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
1 Exclusive Video Byte of Speaker to be packaged & posted
Print1 deliverable
Forbes India · Magazine
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage of the Speaker along with the event overview in Forbes India Magazine
Exclusive · 15 Minutes
Fireside Chat
Exclusive Fireside Chat Integration · Media coverage for the Speaker
6Properties8Deliverables
Event Microsite1 deliverable
CNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Speaker mention under relevant category on the event microsite
On-ground2 deliverables
Stage PresenceDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker opportunity in a dedicated Fireside Chat (basis editorial discretion)
Media ByteDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker media byte in the pre-event area
Television1 deliverable
CNBC AwaazCNBC BajarNews18 GujaratiNews18 Tamil Nadu
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverages and event highlights featuring the Speaker
Digital1 deliverable
Forbes IndiaCNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage with speaker quote/mention in the digital article
Social media2 deliverables
YouTube
CNBC-TV18CNBC AwaazCNBC Bajar
Deliverables & Visibility
Live full event coverage across the YT Channels
Instagram · LinkedIn
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
1 Exclusive Video Byte of Speaker to be packaged & posted
Print1 deliverable
Forbes India · Magazine
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage of the Speaker along with the event overview in Forbes India Magazine
For Brands & Leadership
Associate Partner
Media Amplification · Media coverage for the brand and its leadership
6Properties16Deliverables
Event Microsite1 deliverable
CNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Logo presence as Partner on the event microsite
On-ground7 deliverables
Stage PresenceDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker opportunity in relevant panel discussion session (basis editorial discretion)
Media ByteDeliverables & Visibility
Speaker media byte in the pre-event area
Logo Presence
Deliverables & Visibility
Logo presence on main stage LED, media wall/standees, Invites
Brand AV
Deliverables & Visibility
30 sec. Brand AV played on stage during breaks
Pre-event area
Deliverables & Visibility
Brand Zone space – 6ft x 6ft – Fabrication by client (Subject to availability)
Emcee Mention
Deliverables & Visibility
Emcee mention as Partner
Brand Invites
Deliverables & Visibility
2 Delegate Passes with Networking opportunity
Television1 deliverable
CNBC AwaazCNBC BajarNews18 GujaratiNews18 Tamil Nadu
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverages and event highlights featuring the Speaker & Brand collaterals
Digital2 deliverables
Forbes IndiaCNBC-TV18CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage with speaker quote/mention in the digital article
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
1 Exclusive Digital article
Social media4 deliverables
Instagram · LinkedIn
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
Speaker Announcement post (pre-event)
YouTube · Exclusive Interview Shoot
CNBC (YT)
Deliverables & Visibility
Emerging Business Dialogue: Exclusive Interview with the brand’s leadership – Shoot either at client’s office or studio
YouTube
CNBC-TV18CNBC AwaazCNBC Bajar
Deliverables & Visibility
Live full event coverage across the YT Channels
Instagram · LinkedIn
CNBC Awaaz
Deliverables & Visibility
1 Exclusive Video Byte of Speaker to be packaged & posted
Print1 deliverable
Forbes India · Magazine
Deliverables & Visibility
Incidental coverage of brand leadership along with the event overview in Forbes India Magazine
Interested in a Panel, Fireside Chat or Associate Partner integration?
Connect with Mrs Renu for partnership opportunities.
To identify and rank the top businesses in each sub-category in the geography and recommend one awardee per sub-category.
Who is included in the consumer research?
Buyers and visitors in the relevant category during the last 6–12 months, with decision-makers aged 25–60 and NCCS A.
What information is collected from businesses?
Businesses in the relevant sub-categories are invited to submit a fact file through the nomination form. The research plan also includes 25–30 retailer interviews.
What happens if a business does not submit its fact file?
Non-submitters may be included in survey benchmarking, but are never ranked, published or awarded.
Can sponsorship affect the research score?
No. The methodology keeps a firewall between commercial activity and research assessment. Commercial participation has no bearing on scores.
How many consumer interviews are planned?
1,320 consumer interviews per city: 300 listing, 900 main perceptual and 120 mall exit interviews, plus separate business inputs.
Gujarat Chapter
Submit Your Nomination Fact File
Businesses invited to the Gujarat chapter can submit their nomination fact file through the official form, within 15 working days of receiving the invitation.
Businesses invited to the Tamil Nadu chapter can submit their nomination fact file through the official form, within 15 working days of receiving the invitation.
Businesses invited to the Delhi chapter can submit their nomination fact file through the official form, within 15 working days of receiving the invitation.
Businesses invited to the Maharashtra chapter can submit their nomination fact file through the official form, within 15 working days of receiving the invitation.
Businesses invited to the Telangana chapter can submit their nomination fact file through the official form, within 15 working days of receiving the invitation.
CNBC Awaaz presents
Corporate Member, MRSI