Padma Awards 2026, one of the most respected civilian honours in India, celebrate the remarkable work and service of people across various fields. Whether it’s a teacher from a rural school, a doctor in a remote village, or an artist who brought change through creativity, the Padma Awards recognise individuals who make a difference.
Nominations for Padma Awards 2026 are open until July 31, 2025. During the nominations/recommendation process, anyone can submit a nomination, including self-nominations, through the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. Read on to learn about the Padma Awards 2026 types, eligibility, selection process, and more!
The Padma Awards 2026 are scheduled to be announced on the eve of Republic Day (25 January 2026). These prestigious awards were first instituted in 1954 and are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
The purpose is to honour individuals who have shown excellence and commitment in their respective fields. The awards are for Indian citizens and sometimes foreign nationals, NRIs, and OCIs who have contributed to the country or society.
Padma Awards 2026 Overview | |
Award Categories | Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri |
Managed By | Ministry of Home Affairs |
Announcement Date | On the eve of Republic Day 2026 (January 26, 2026) |
Eligibility | All Indian citizens regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. Government servants (except doctors and scientists) and PSU employees are not eligible. |
Nomination Process | Online via Rashtriya Puraskar Portal; public, self, and institutional nominations accepted |
Fields Recognized | Art, Literature & Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science & Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade & Industry, etc. |
Purpose | Recognize "work of distinction" and exceptional achievements/service in diverse fields |
Maximum Awards | Typically up to 120 per year (excluding posthumous and foreign recipients) |
Last Date to Apply | July 31, 2025 |
Award Ceremony | President of India presents the awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March/April 2026 |
Website | awards.gov.in |
The application process for the Padma Awards 2026 is open until July 31, 2025. To submit nominations online only at https://awards.gov.in. All citizens can nominate in this process, including self-nominations. Each nomination must include required details and an 800-word citation highlighting the nominee’s achievements. The government encourages entries for individuals from women, SC/ST, weaker sections, and divyang communities.
There are three categories of Padma Awards. Each has a different level of recognition, but all are equally respected.
Padma Vibhushan (Second Highest Civilian Award): For exceptional and distinguished service.
Padma Bhushan (Third Highest): For distinguished service of a high order.
Padma Shri (Fourth highest): For distinguished service in any field.
These fields include arts, literature, science, public affairs, medicine, education, sports, trade and industry, civil service, social work, and more.
Here are the key dates for the Padma Awards 2026 based on official announcements:
Padma Awards 2026 Important Dates | |
Nominations Open | 15th March 2025 |
Nominations Close | 31st July 2025 |
Announcement of Awardees | 25th January 2026 |
Award Ceremony (Tentative) | March/April 2026 (as per tradition) |
The nomination process for the Padma Awards 2026 is completely online and open to the public. This is in line with the government’s vision of making the awards truly “People’s Padma.” Here’s how you can nominate:
Visit the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.
Register on the portal with basic personal or organizational details and OTP verification.
Click on "Nominate/Apply Now" under Padma Awards 2026.
Select the award category (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri).
Choose the field and sub-field of the nominee’s excellence.
Indicate if nominating self or someone else.
Fill in the required details of the nominee.
Write a citation (up to 800 words) describing their achievements.
Upload supporting documents, recognitions, and online links if available.
Submit the form before 31 July 2025.
Self-nominations are allowed in the nomination process. The aim is to bring forward unsung heroes, especially from marginalised communities like women, SC/ST, divyang (disabled) individuals, and those serving society selflessly.
According to the Padma Awards Eligibility 2026 criteria, any person is eligible without distinction of race, gender, occupation, or position. However, serving government officials, including employees of Public Sector Units (PSUs), are not eligible (unless they are doctors or scientists).
Fields covered in the Padma Awards include:
Art: Cinema, theatre, music, sculpture, etc.
Social Work: Education, healthcare, sanitation, etc.
Public Affairs: Law, politics, public life.
Science & Engineering: Space, IT, research, etc.
Medicine: Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, etc.
Literature & Education: Teaching, writing, journalism.
Sports: Athletics, mountaineering, coaching.
Others: Yoga, spirituality, wildlife, agriculture, innovation.
Also, if someone has already received a Padma Award, they are eligible for a higher category only after 5 years. However, this gap can be waived for rare, exceptional achievements.
Once the nominations close, the actual work of shortlisting and selecting winners begins. Here is how the process works:
All entries are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed every year by the Prime Minister.
The committee includes senior government officials, experts from different fields, and eminent personalities.
They shortlist the names and forward their recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
The final list of Padma Awardees is announced every year on 25 January, a day before Republic Day.
No award is conferred without the committee’s recommendation and presidential approval.
The official announcement of the Padma Awards 2026 will take place on 25 January 2026, a day before Republic Day. Here’s what happens after that:
The winners’ names will be published in the Gazette of India.
They will be invited to a ceremonial function at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March or April 2026.
The President of India will present the awards.
Each recipient gets a Sanad (certificate) and a medallion. A smaller replica is also given for ceremonial use.
No cash or title is attached to the award.
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