The Economic Times 40 Under Forty is the definitive listing of corporate India’s future leaders. For over a decade, this prestigious listing has been a beacon for business leadership in India, recognizing and fostering exceptional talent in the business landscape.

The Selection Process for the 40 Under 40 List

1) Primary Research: An initial pool is created through self-nominations and recommendations.
2) Shortlisting and Background Checks: This list is thoroughly reviewed through due diligence and then presented to an expert jury.
3) Jury Assessment: The jury evaluates candidates based on criteria such as business impact, contribution to the ecosystem, and relevant position within the industry. The most deserving 40 are then selected.
4) Grand Felicitation: The final list is announced in The Economic Times newspaper and the winners are felicitated at a prestigious celebration attended by the jury, winners, past honorees, and industry leaders.
This multi-step process ensures that the final 40 Under 40 list highlights individuals who have truly made a mark in their fields and continue to shape the future of business and innovation.

To be considered for the ET 40 Under 40 list, simply fill out and submit the application form with all the required details.

The deadline for submitting the application form is 21st May, 2025. Be sure to complete and submit your form before this date to be considered.

No, there is no application fee. Applying for the ET 40 Under 40 list is completely free of cost.

Yes, professionals from any industry can apply to be part of the list

No, individuals who have already been featured on the 40 Under 40 list are not eligible to be selected again. This ensures the recognition continues to spotlight new and deserving talent each year.

Due to the volume of submissions and the nature of the project, no one is notified in advance if they’ve made the list. Everyone finds out at the same time—when the list is officially published in The Economic Times newspaper and goes live on our website. We also do not send submission confirmations, so there’s no need to follow up!

No, all information provided through this website is strictly confidential and used solely for assessment purposes. Applicants are not made public, and details shared in the form will not be disclosed to others in the same field or outside the evaluation process.

Please send your queries on et40under40@timesofindia.com