By Hemant SharmaEnglish newspapers form an integral part of the media landscape and democracy in India. Even in the digital age, newspapers remain a major source of information and awareness for a significant section of the English-speaking population in India. Apart from comprehensive coverage of local, national and global events, newspapers also feature investigative reports, analytical editorials and latest developments in the glamour world. English newspapers remain recommended study materials for students preparing for competitive examinations like civil services. History of newspapers in India date back to 1780 when the first newspaper named The Bengal Gazette was published by James Augustus Hicky. However, major developments in print journalism began in 1861 with the publishing of the earliest version of Times of India, followed by publication of Amrit Bazar Patrika in 1868. Let’s have a look at the top 10 English newspapers in India for the year 2025.
1. Times of India
Times of India is the largest selling English language daily newspaper in the world with a daily circulation of over 1.8 million copies. It is owned and published by Bennett Coleman Company Limited which operates under the Times Group owned by the Sahu Jain family. Times of India was established in the year 1861 by Robert Knight. Ownership of the newspaper passed to English journalists Thomas Bennett and Morris Coleman in 1892.
Times of India is published in broadsheet format and comprehensively covers national and international events. The newspaper is particularly known for its insightful editorials especially the Sunday columns penned by renowned journalists. Current editor of TOI is Jaideep Bose.
2. Deccan Chronicle
Deccan Chronicle is the largest daily English newspaper in South India with a daily circulation over 1.45 million copies across five states in South India. It is published by Deccan Chronicle Holdings Limited and owned by Samagrah Commercial Private Limited. The newspaper was established in the year 1938.
Deccan Chronicle, published in broadsheet format, extensively covers the local news of South India, national events, business, sports and other topics. Current editor of the newspaper is Kaushik Mitter.
3. The Hindu
The Hindu is the third largest daily English newspaper in India with a daily circulation of over 1 million copies. It is a family-owned newspaper and has been under the ownership of S. Kasturi Ranga Iyer family since the year 1905. The Hindu was established in the year 1878 as a weekly but became a daily newspaper in 1889.
The Hindu is published in broadsheet format and provides an in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics, right from politics and economy to sports and current affairs. Current editor of this newspaper is Suresh Nambath.
4. Hindustan Times
Hindustan Times comes fourth among daily English newspapers in India with a daily circulation of over 7 lakh copies. It operates under HT Media Limited owned by Shobhana Bhartia of the famous industrial family, Birla. Hindustan Times was founded in the year 1924 as a nationalist daily against the British government.
Hindustan Times covers diverse topics and is famous for its engaging editorials. Some famous journalists who regularly pen columns for this newspaper are Barkha Dutt, Karan Thapar, Indrajit Hazra and others. Current editor of Hindustan Times is S. Ranganathan.
5. The Telegraph
The Telegraph is a major daily English newspaper with a daily circulation of just under 7 lakh copies. It is owned and published by the Ananda Bazar Patrika Group which is based in Kolkata. Established in the year 1982, The Telegraph is the most circulating English daily in the Eastern region of India.
The Telegraph provides exhaustive information across topics, right from politics and culture to global events and sports. It is particularly known for its stance against the Government of India. Current editor of the newspaper is Atideb Sarkar.
6. The New Indian Express
The New Indian Express features among the top daily English newspapers in India with a daily circulation of around 5.9 lakh copies. It is owned and published by Express Publications which is based in Chennai. The newspaper was established in the year 1932 by P. Vardarajulu Naidu, and came into the ownership of Goenka family in 1936.
The New Indian Express provides complete coverage to a wide range of topics, including social issues. It is particularly known for its investigative stories. Current editor of the newspaper is Santwana Bhattacharya.
7. The Economic Times
The Economic Times has a daily circulation of around 2.7 lakh copies, and is the second most-read business newspaper in the world after Wall Street Journal. It was established in the year 1961 and is sold in all major cities in India. The newspaper is owned by the Times Group and published by Bennett Coleman Company Limited.
The Economic Times is dedicated to economic and financial news, including share prices, prices of commodities and matters related to global trade and international finance. Current editor of the newspaper is Bodhistva Ganguly.
8. The Statesman
The Statesman is a broadsheet daily English newspaper with a daily circulation of over 2.3 lakh copies. It is owned and published by The Statesman Limited. The newspaper was established in the year 1818 and is published in Kolkata, New Delhi, Bhubaneswar and Siliguri.
The Statesman is known for its incisive analytical articles, serious reporting and traditional English language. Current editor of the newspaper is Ravindra Kumar.
9. The Pioneer
The Pioneer is a daily English language newspaper with a daily circulation of 2.3 lakh copies. It is owned by Sanchar Holdings with other shareholders, including IDBI Bank and ICICI Bank. The newspaper was established in the year 1865 and is published in multiple locations in India.
The Pioneer is known for its detailed reporting and analysis of various events and issues. Some famous columnists of this newspaper are Chandan Mitra, Kanchan Gupta and Balbir Punj. Current editor of the newspaper is Shobhori Ganguly.
10. Business Standard
Business Standard is a daily English language business newspaper with a daily of circulation of around 1.89 lakh copies. It is owned by Business Standard Limited. The newspaper was founded in the year 1975 by the ABP Group but sold to the current owner in 2005.
Business Standard focuses on financial news/opinions/insights, Indian economy, business and trade, infrastructure and other related content. Current editor of the newspaper is Shailesh Dobhal.
Conclusion
English newspapers in India play a major role in keeping the public informed and constitute the fourth pillar of democracy along with other arms of mass media. Many major journalists in India have built their careers in these newspapers.