Shark Tank India is gearing up for a major comeback in early 2026 with its most diverse judging panel yet. The business reality show, which has become a launchpad for Indian start-ups, will return with Season 5 on January 5, 2026, bringing together experienced investors and fresh entrepreneurial voices.
The new season signals a shift toward wider industry representation, covering everything from consumer brands and healthcare to aviation, clean energy, and campus-led innovation. With India’s start-up ecosystem maturing rapidly, Season 5 aims to reflect this change by blending familiarity with fresh perspectives.
Shark Tank India Season 5: Starting Date
Shark Tank India Season 5 will premiere on January 5, 2026. The show will air on Sony Entertainment Television and stream digitally on Sony LIV, continuing its strong television and OTT presence.
Shark Tank India Season 5 Judges: Returning Sharks
Several popular sharks are back, ensuring continuity for viewers and founders alike. These investors bring years of experience in scaling consumer and tech-driven businesses. Returning sharks include:
- Aman Gupta – Co-founder & CMO, boAt
- Namita Thapar – Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals
- Vineeta Singh – CEO & Co-founder, SUGAR Cosmetics
- Peyush Bansal – Co-founder & CEO, Lenskart
- Anupam Mittal – Founder & CEO, Shaadi.com
- Ritesh Agarwal – Founder & CEO, OYO
- Kunal Bahl – Co-founder, Snapdeal; Titan Capital
- Amit Jain – CEO & Co-founder, CarDekho Group
- Viraj Bahl – Founder & MD, Veeba / VRB Consumer
These sharks remain central to the show’s identity, known for sharp questioning, tough negotiations, and founder-focused guidance.
New Judges in Shark Tank India Season 5
Season 5 adds new sharks from fast-growing and emerging sectors, expanding the show’s business lens. New judges include:
- Mohit Yadav – Co-founder, Minimalist
- Shaily Mehrotra – CEO, Fixderma India
- Hardik Kothiya – Founder & MD, Rayzon Solar
- Kanika Tekriwal – Founder & CEO, JetSetGo Aviation
- Varun Alagh – CEO & Co-founder, Honasa Consumer (Mamaearth, The Derma Co)
Their inclusion highlights rising sectors like skincare science, renewable energy, aviation services, and large-scale D2C brands.
Campus Special: Focus on Student Entrepreneurs
A new Campus Special segment will spotlight student-led start-ups. Pratham Mittal, founder of Masters’ Union and Tetr College of Business, will join this segment, underlining the show’s push toward early-stage innovation and youth entrepreneurship.
What’s New in Shark Tank India Season 5?
The new season places a stronger emphasis on:
- Sustainability and clean energy
- Science-backed consumer products
- Student and campus founders
- New-age logistics, aviation, and digital-first brands
This shift reflects how Indian entrepreneurship is evolving beyond traditional consumer tech.
Why Season 5 Matters?
Over four seasons, Shark Tank India has influenced funding trends and public understanding of start-up culture. Season 5 raises the bar by bringing sector depth and broader mentorship. With a mix of veteran sharks and new-age founders, the show aims to deliver sharper insights and bigger deals.