Indian Idol open auditions are coming to three cities this month: Kolkata on Sunday, November 15, Delhi on Sunday, November 22 and Mumbai on Sunday, November 29, 2026. The audition notice for the next season of the Sony singing show lists the Kolkata and Delhi venues. This guide has the dates and addresses, who can audition, the documents to carry and what to expect on the day.
Last updated on November 8, 2026. The Mumbai venue has not been announced yet, and this page is updated when it is.
Indian Idol Auditions 2026: Dates and Venues
| City | Date | Venue |
| Kolkata | Sunday, November 15, 2026 | P B Academic School, 63 Mahatma Gandhi Road, beside Diamond City, South Tollygunge, Kolkata 700041 |
| Delhi | Sunday, November 22, 2026 | Bal Bhavan International School, Sector 12, Dwarka, Delhi |
| Mumbai | Sunday, November 29, 2026 | Venue to be announced |
The notice does not give a reporting time, so check the official Indian Idol and Sony LIV channels before you travel.
Who Can Audition for Indian Idol?
The only official rules we could find are Sony’s audition rules for the previous season, Season 16, published in July 2025. The rules for the new round may differ, so confirm them with the show before you go. Under the Season 16 rules, you could audition if you:
- were above 14 and not above 30 years old on the cut-off date, which was July 26, 2025 for that season
- were an Indian citizen living in India
- were of sound mind and health and had no criminal conviction
- had no contract that stops you singing or performing for the show
People who reached the televised rounds of an earlier season of the show, or of a similar show, were not eligible, and neither were employees of the channel, the producer and sponsors, or their immediate family members. Participants under 18 were treated as bound through a parent or legal guardian, who had to provide guardianship documents.
What to Carry to the Indian Idol Auditions
Last season’s rules ask you to bring original age proof for verification, and say documents must be clear and readable. Carry the following, and bring photocopies as well as originals:
| Document | Any one of these |
| Identity proof | PAN card, Aadhaar card, driving licence, passport or voter ID card |
| Age proof | Passport, birth certificate, school certificate or court affidavit |
| Address proof | Passport, ration card, driving licence, electricity bill or Aadhaar card |
| Guardianship proof (if you are under 18) | Ration card, passport, school leaving certificate, court order or another government document that shows the relationship |
Practical tips
These are our suggestions, not Sony’s rules. Arrive early, because queues at open auditions can be long. Keep water and a snack with you, a charged phone and a power bank. Wear something comfortable. Prepare two songs you know well in a key that suits your voice, and warm up before you go in. If you are under 18, come with a parent or guardian.
What to Expect on Audition Day
Under last season’s rules, auditions were held on the ground, and each singer filled in a registration form with their name, gender, mobile number and an alternate number, date of birth, email, state, city and, for minors, parent or guardian details. Your documents are then checked at the venue, and passing that verification is required to move on to the next qualifier rounds.
Registration does not guarantee selection. If you are chosen for the show, you will have to sign an appearance release form and a non-disclosure agreement. Giving false details can get you disqualified.
Is There an Entry Fee?
No. Sony’s rules say there is no entry fee for the show, and that anyone claiming to be from the company and asking you to pay is defrauding you. If someone asks for money to secure a slot, report it to the local police.
More Indian Idol Coverage
Indian Idol: Legends Return is on air now, and we cover each episode in our jodis scorecard and vote page and the guide to its judges, host and format. For last year’s audition process, see our Indian Idol 16 auditions guide.
Indian Idol Auditions FAQ
When are the Indian Idol auditions in 2026?
Kolkata on Sunday, November 15, Delhi on Sunday, November 22 and Mumbai on Sunday, November 29, 2026.
Where is the Indian Idol audition in Kolkata?
At P B Academic School, 63 Mahatma Gandhi Road, beside Diamond City, South Tollygunge, Kolkata 700041.
Where is the Indian Idol audition in Delhi?
At Bal Bhavan International School, Sector 12, Dwarka, Delhi.
Where is the Indian Idol audition in Mumbai?
The Mumbai venue has not been announced yet. The date is Sunday, November 29, 2026.
What documents do I need for the Indian Idol audition?
Under last season’s rules: one identity proof, one age proof and one address proof, plus guardianship proof if you are under 18. Carry originals and copies.
What is the age limit for Indian Idol?
For Season 16, you had to be above 14 and not above 30 on July 26, 2025. The age rule and cut-off date for the new round have not been published in the notice we have.
Is there an entry fee for Indian Idol auditions?
No. Sony’s rules say there is no entry fee, and anyone asking for money is defrauding you.
Can past Indian Idol contestants audition again?
Under the Season 16 rules, people who reached the televised rounds of an earlier season of the show or a similar show were not eligible.
Do I need to register before the audition?
The notice we have does not list a registration link. Last season’s rules describe a registration form with basic details, so check the official channels for this round.
Audition dates and venues are from the audition notice for the new season. Eligibility and documents are from Sony’s official Season 16 audition rules and may change for the new round. Always confirm with the official Indian Idol and Sony LIV channels.

















