‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ 18: Registration Opens - Here’s How To Apply for Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘KBC’ 2026
Amitabh Bachchan returns with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' Season 18! Sony Entertainment Television has officially opened 'KBC' registrations starting March 9, 2026. Learn about the latest rule changes, including the Jaldi 5 round and updated lifelines, as India’s iconic quiz show celebrates 25 years on air. Find out how to secure your spot on the hot seat.
Sony Entertainment Television has officially opened registrations for the 18th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), one of India’s most enduring and popular reality television programs. Following an official announcement on March 4, 2026, the registration window launched today, March 9, inviting aspiring contestants to compete for a spot on the hot seat opposite veteran host Amitabh Bachchan. Amitabh Bachchan Reflects on Life With Poignant Note; Says ‘In the End, Life Becomes a Series of Still Pictures’ (View Post)
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'KBC' Completes 25 Years
The upcoming season marks a significant milestone as the franchise surpasses 25 years on Indian television. Originally premiering on July 3, 2000, the show served as Amitabh Bachchan’s television debut. Except for one season, Bachchan has remained the face of the program, which has consistently ranked among the most-watched shows on Sony TV for over two decades. While the registration process is now live, Sony Entertainment Television has yet to announce a specific air date for the Season 18 premiere.
Recent Format Changes and Gameplay Updates
Season 18 is expected to build upon the gameplay refinements introduced during the previous season, which concluded its run-on January 2, 2026. To celebrate the silver jubilee of the show, several structural changes were implemented to the "Money Tree":
- Increased Stakes: The starting question value was raised from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000.
- Safety Net Adjustments: The first safety net was moved up to INR 25,000.
- New Lifelines: The "Sanket Suchak" lifeline was introduced, allowing contestants to receive a hint before finalising an answer.
- Returning Favourites: The classic 50:50 lifeline, which had been previously removed, made a permanent return to the format.
Additionally, the "Jaldi 5" round replaced the traditional Fastest Finger First. In this high-pressure segment, two contestants compete head-to-head using a buzzer; the first to correctly answer five questions earns the right to play for the jackpot. Amitabh Bachchan Reflects on the Power of Time, Calls It Eternal and Divine in Thoughtful Blog Post.
'KBC 18' Registrations Open
Kaun Banega Crorepati remains the Indian adaptation of the global Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? franchise. Its inaugural season remains the longest in the show's history, running for 18 months from July 2000 to December 2001. The show is credited with redefining primetime television in India and revitalizing the career of Amitabh Bachchan. Production for the new season will continue at its long-standing filming hubs, with the selection process involving multiple rounds of digital and physical auditions following the initial registration period.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 28, 2026 01:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).