The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) completes the nomination process for the Padma Awards 2026. The awardees have been announced on Republic Day 2026, continuing the tradition of honouring India’s exceptional contributors. This year a total of 131 awardees have been selected for the Padma Vibhshan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards.
Padma Awards 2026
The Padma Awards 2026 represent one of the most esteemed civilian honors in India. These accolades are presented to the individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions across a range of fields. Announced each year on the eve of Republic Day, the awards are presented by the President of India in a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Established in 1954 by the Government of India, the Padma Awards aim to recognise outstanding service and achievements in diverse sectors such as art, literature, education, science and engineering, sports, social service, public affairs, trade and commerce, healthcare, and civil administration. Padma Awards 2026 not only celebrates excellence but recognises the contribution of individuals who have contributed to the grassroots work and brought meaningful change to the society.
Padma Awards 2026 Nominations Process
The Padma Awards 2026 Nominations Process has been completed and the winners have been announced on Repulic Day, 2026. The Government of India actively encourages citizens to engage in this process, including the submission of self-nominations.
Special emphasis is placed on identifying individuals from underrepresented and marginalized communities, such as women, persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), members of the Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and those engaged in selfless service at the grassroots level. The objective is to ensure broad-based representation and recognition of exceptional talent and dedication across all segments of society.
While submitting nominations, individuals are required to provide detailed information as outlined on the portal. Also, a narrative citation, limited to 800 words must accompany each nomination. This citation should clearly brief the nominee’s accomplishments and their significant contributions to their respective field.
Types of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards 2026 are classified into three categories, each reflecting a particular degree of national recognition for excellence in various fields. Announced annually by the Government of India, these honours are formally presented by the President of India:
| Types of Padma Awards | ||
|
Award Name |
Description |
Prestige Level |
|
Padma Vibhushan |
awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; |
2nd highest civilian award |
|
Padma Bhushan |
presented for distinguished service of a high order; |
3rd highest civilian award |
|
Padma Shri |
granted for distinguished service in any sphere of activity. |
4th highest civilian award |
Padma Awards 2026 Eligibility
The Padma Awards 2026 are inclusive in nature, open to individuals from all walks of life regardless of gender, profession, religion, or nationality. These honours aim to acknowledge outstanding contributions in a wide array of fields, including art, literature, education, science and engineering, sports, public service, social work, medicine, trade and industry, and civil administration, among others.
Eligibility Criteria for Padma Awards 2025
- All Indian citizens are eligible for consideration.
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and foreign nationals are also eligible to be nominated.
- Employees of government bodies and Public Sector Undertakings are generally not considered for these awards. However, an exception is made for professionals such as doctors and scientists whose work demonstrates extraordinary merit.
- While the awards are typically not conferred posthumously, exceptions may be made in highly deserving and rare cases.
- The Government of India encourages citizens to nominate individuals who have made impactful contributions at the grassroots level, particularly those whose efforts often go unrecognized. The emphasis remains on highlighting the achievements of unsung heroes engaged in selfless service across the country.
Padma Awards 2026 Fields Cover
The Padma Awards 2026 are introduced to honour individuals who have demonstrated excellence and made distinguished contributions across a diverse range of fields. These awards celebrate those whose work has significantly impacted their respective domains, often contributing to national development and social transformation. The categories considered for recognition under the Padma Awards 2026 include:
| Padma Awards 2026 Fields Cover | |
|
Field |
Description |
|
Art |
Music, painting, sculpture, cinema, theatre, photography, etc. |
|
Social Work |
Charitable services, community development, environment, sanitation, etc. |
|
Public Affairs |
Law, public life, and political services. |
|
Science & Engineering |
Research, space, nuclear science, IT, and related innovations. |
|
Trade & Industry |
Business, banking, textiles, technology, tourism, hospitality, etc. |
|
Medicine |
Distinctions in Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, medical research. |
|
Literature & Education |
Teaching, journalism, literature, poetry, and education reforms. |
|
Civil Service |
Excellence in administration and policy implementation. |
|
Sports |
Achievements in sports, athletics, mountaineering, and sports promotion. |
|
Others |
Spirituality, Yoga, agriculture, culinary arts, wildlife conservation, grassroots innovation, etc. |
Padma Awards 2026 Selection Process
All nominations for the Padma Awards 2026 undergo multi-tiered evaluation process to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection:
- The nominations are initially examined by the Padma Awards Committee, which is reconstituted annually by the Prime Minister of India. This committee comprises people from various fields along with senior government officials.
- After thorough deliberation and scrutiny, the committee submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for final approval.
- The names of the selected awardees were officially announced on January 26, 2026, with the celebration of Republic Day.
Padma Awards 2026 Award
Awardees of the Padma Awards 2026 are formally honoured at a prestigious ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this ceremonial event, the President of India personally presents the awards to each recipient. The honour includes:
- A Sanad (an official certificate of recognition) bearing the signature of the President of India.
- A medallion symbolising the conferment of the award.
- A miniature replica of the medal, intended for use on ceremonial and official occasions.
Padma Awards 2026 Winners List
The Padma Awards 2026 celebrated the exceptional contributions of individuals from a wide range of fields, acknowledging their commitment to national development and the betterment of humanity. A total of 131 recipient was honoured, reflecting the inclusivity and diversity of the awards. The Padma Awards 2026 Winners List includes notable women achievers, posthumous recognitions, and international awardees whose efforts have made a significant impact both within India and globally. The detailed list has been shared below.
Padma Vibhushan Winners 2026
The Padma Vibhushan 2026 was awarded to five individuals for their exceptional and distinguished service in fields like art and public affairs. The Padma Vibhushan Winners 2026 List has been tabulated below.
|
Padma Vibhushan Winners 2026 |
|||
|
SN |
Name |
Field |
State |
|
1 |
Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
2 |
Shri K T Thomas |
Public Affairs |
Kerala |
|
3 |
Ms. N. Rajam |
Art |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
4 |
Shri P. Narayanan |
Literature & Education |
Kerala |
|
5 |
Shri V. S. Achuthanandhan (Posthumous) |
Public Affairs |
Kerala |
Padma Bhushan Winners 2026
The Padma Bhushan 2026 was conferred on 13 individuals for distinguished service of a high order in fields such as art, public affairs, medicine, social work, sports, and trade & industry. The Padma Bhushan Winners 2026 List has been shared below.
|
Padma Bhushan Winners 2026 |
|||
|
SN |
Name |
Field |
State / Country |
|
1 |
Ms. Alka Yagnik |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
2 |
Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari |
Public Affairs |
Uttarakhand |
|
3 |
Shri K. R. Palaniswamy |
Medicine |
Tamil Nadu |
|
4 |
Shri Mammootty |
Art |
Kerala |
|
5 |
Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu |
Medicine |
United States of America |
|
6 |
Shri Piyush Pandey (Posthumous) |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
7 |
Shri S. K. M. Maeilanandhan |
Social Work |
Tamil Nadu |
|
8 |
Shri Shatavadhani R. Ganesh |
Art |
Karnataka |
|
9 |
Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) |
Public Affairs |
Jharkhand |
|
10 |
Shri Uday Kotak |
Trade & Industry |
Maharashtra |
|
11 |
Shri V. K. Malhotra (Posthumous) |
Public Affairs |
Delhi |
|
12 |
Shri Vellappally Natesan |
Public Affairs |
Kerala |
|
13 |
Shri Vijay Amritraj |
Sports |
United States of America |
Padma Shri Winners 2026
The Padma Shri 2026 was awarded to 113 individuals for their distinguished contributions in diverse fields including art, literature and education, medicine, science and engineering, social work, sports, and others. Padma Shri Winners 2026 List is given below.
|
Padma Shri Winners 2026 |
|||
|
SN |
Name |
Field |
State / Country |
|
1 |
Shri A E Muthunayagam |
Science and Engineering |
Kerala |
|
2 |
Shri Anil Kumar Rastogi |
Art |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
3 |
Shri Anke Gowda M. |
Social Work |
Karnataka |
|
4 |
Ms. Armida Fernandez |
Medicine |
Maharashtra |
|
5 |
Shri Arvind Vaidya |
Art |
Gujarat |
|
6 |
Shri Ashok Khade |
Trade and Industry |
Maharashtra |
|
7 |
Shri Ashok Kumar Singh |
Science and Engineering |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
8 |
Shri Asok Kumar Haldar |
Literature and Education |
West Bengal |
|
9 |
Shri Baldev Singh |
Sports |
Punjab |
|
10 |
Shri Bhagwandas Raikwar |
Sports |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
11 |
Shri Bharat Singh Bharti |
Art |
Bihar |
|
12 |
Shri Bhiklya Ladakya Dhinda |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
13 |
Shri Bishwa Bandhu (Posthumous) |
Art |
Bihar |
|
14 |
Shri Brij Lal Bhat |
Social Work |
Jammu and Kashmir |
|
15 |
Shri Buddha Rashmi Mani |
Others – Archaeology |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
16 |
Dr. Budhri Tati |
Social Work |
Chhattisgarh |
|
17 |
Shri Chandramouli Gaddamanugu |
Science and Engineering |
Telangana |
|
18 |
Shri Charan Hembram |
Literature and Education |
Odisha |
|
19 |
Shri Chiranji Lal Yadav |
Art |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
20 |
Ms. Deepika Reddy |
Art |
Telangana |
|
21 |
Shri Dharmiklal Chunilal Pandya |
Art |
Gujarat |
|
22 |
Shri Gadde Babu Rajendra Prasad |
Art |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
23 |
Shri Gafruddin Mewati Jogi |
Art |
Rajasthan |
|
24 |
Shri Gambir Singh Yonzone |
Literature and Education |
West Bengal |
|
25 |
Shri Garimella Balakrishna Prasad (Posthumous) |
Art |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
26 |
Ms. Gayatri Balasubramanian & Ms. Ranjani Balasubramanian (Duo) |
Art |
Tamil Nadu |
|
27 |
Shri Gopal Ji Trivedi |
Science and Engineering |
Bihar |
|
28 |
Shri Guduru Venkat Rao |
Medicine |
Telangana |
|
29 |
Shri H V Hande |
Medicine |
Tamil Nadu |
|
30 |
Shri Hally War |
Social Work |
Meghalaya |
|
31 |
Shri Hari Madhab Mukhopadhyay (Posthumous) |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
32 |
Shri Haricharan Saikia |
Art |
Assam |
|
33 |
Ms. Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar |
Sports |
Punjab |
|
34 |
Shri Inderjit Singh Sidhu |
Social Work |
Chandigarh |
|
35 |
Shri Janardan Bapurao Bothe |
Social Work |
Maharashtra |
|
36 |
Shri Jogesh Deuri |
Others – Agriculture |
Assam |
|
37 |
Shri Juzer Vasi |
Science and Engineering |
Maharashtra |
|
38 |
Shri Jyotish Debnath |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
39 |
Shri K Pajanivel |
Sports |
Puducherry |
|
40 |
Shri K Ramasamy |
Science and Engineering |
Tamil Nadu |
|
41 |
Shri K Vijay Kumar |
Civil Service |
Tamil Nadu |
|
42 |
Shri Kabindra Purkayastha (Posthumous) |
Public Affairs |
Assam |
|
43 |
Shri Kailash Chandra Pant |
Literature and Education |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
44 |
Ms. Kalamandalam Vimala Menon |
Art |
Kerala |
|
45 |
Shri Kewal Krishan Thakral |
Medicine |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
46 |
Shri Khem Raj Sundriyal |
Art |
Haryana |
|
47 |
Ms. Kollakal Devaki Amma G |
Social Work |
Kerala |
|
48 |
Shri Krishnamurty Balasubramanian |
Science and Engineering |
Telangana |
|
49 |
Shri Kumar Bose |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
50 |
Shri Kumarasamy Thangaraj |
Science and Engineering |
Telangana |
|
51 |
Prof. (Dr.) Lars-Christian Koch |
Art |
Germany |
|
52 |
Ms. Liudmila Viktorovna Khokhlova |
Literature and Education |
Russia |
|
53 |
Shri Madhavan Ranganathan |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
54 |
Shri Maganti Murali Mohan |
Art |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
55 |
Shri Mahendra Kumar Mishra |
Literature and Education |
Odisha |
|
56 |
Shri Mahendra Nath Roy |
Literature and Education |
West Bengal |
|
57 |
Shri Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar |
Literature and Education |
Delhi |
|
58 |
Ms. Mangala Kapoor |
Literature and Education |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
59 |
Shri Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai |
Art |
Gujarat |
|
60 |
Shri Mohan Nagar |
Social Work |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
61 |
Shri Narayan Vyas |
Others – Archaeology |
Madhya Pradesh |
|
62 |
Shri Naresh Chandra Dev Varma |
Literature and Education |
Tripura |
|
63 |
Shri Nilesh Vinodchandra Mandlewala |
Social Work |
Gujarat |
|
64 |
Shri Nuruddin Ahmed |
Art |
Assam |
|
65 |
Shri Othuvaar Thiruthani Swaminathan |
Art |
Tamil Nadu |
|
66 |
Dr. Padma Gurmet |
Medicine |
Ladakh |
|
67 |
Shri Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy |
Medicine |
Telangana |
|
68 |
Ms. Pokhila Lekthepi |
Art |
Assam |
|
69 |
Dr. Prabhakar Basavprabhu Kore |
Literature and Education |
Karnataka |
|
70 |
Shri Prateek Sharma |
Medicine |
USA |
|
71 |
Shri Praveen Kumar |
Sports |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
72 |
Shri Prem Lal Gautam |
Science and Engineering |
Himachal Pradesh |
|
73 |
Shri Prosenjit Chatterjee |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
74 |
Dr. Punniamurthy Natesan |
Medicine |
Tamil Nadu |
|
75 |
Shri R Krishnan (Posthumous) |
Art |
Tamil Nadu |
|
76 |
Shri R V S Mani |
Civil Service |
Delhi |
|
77 |
Shri Rabilal Tudu |
Literature and Education |
West Bengal |
|
78 |
Shri Raghupat Singh (Posthumous) |
Others – Agriculture |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
79 |
Shri Raghuveer Tukaram Khedkar |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
80 |
Shri Rajastapathi Kaliappa Goundar |
Art |
Tamil Nadu |
|
81 |
Shri Rajendra Prasad |
Medicine |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
82 |
Shri Rama Reddy Mamidi (Posthumous) |
Others – Animal Husbandry |
Telangana |
|
83 |
Shri Ramamurthy Sreedher |
Others – Radio Broadcasting |
Delhi |
|
84 |
Shri Ramchandra Godbole & Ms. Suneeta Godbole (Duo) |
Medicine |
Chhattisgarh |
|
85 |
Shri Ratilal Borisagar |
Literature and Education |
Gujarat |
|
86 |
Shri Rohit Sharma |
Sports |
Maharashtra |
|
87 |
Ms. S G Susheelamma |
Social Work |
Karnataka |
|
88 |
Shri Sangyusang S Pongener |
Art |
Nagaland |
|
89 |
Sant Niranjan Dass |
Others – Spiritualism |
Punjab |
|
90 |
Shri Sarat Kumar Patra |
Art |
Odisha |
|
91 |
Shri Saroj Mandal |
Medicine |
West Bengal |
|
92 |
Shri Satish Shah (Posthumous) |
Art |
Maharashtra |
|
93 |
Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal |
Trade and Industry |
Maharashtra |
|
94 |
Ms. Savita Punia |
Sports |
Haryana |
|
95 |
Prof. Shafi Shauq |
Literature and Education |
Jammu and Kashmir |
|
96 |
Shri Shashi Shekhar Vempati |
Literature and Education |
Karnataka |
|
97 |
Shri Shrirang Devaba Lad |
Others – Agriculture |
Maharashtra |
|
98 |
Ms. Shubha Venkatesha Iyengar |
Science and Engineering |
Karnataka |
|
99 |
Shri Shyam Sundar |
Medicine |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
100 |
Shri Simanchal Patro |
Art |
Odisha |
|
101 |
Ms. Sivasankari |
Literature and Education |
Tamil Nadu |
|
102 |
Dr. Suresh Hanagavadi |
Medicine |
Karnataka |
|
103 |
Swami Brahmdev Ji Maharaj |
Social Work |
Rajasthan |
|
104 |
Shri T T Jagannathan (Posthumous) |
Trade and Industry |
Karnataka |
|
105 |
Shri Taga Ram Bheel |
Art |
Rajasthan |
|
106 |
Shri Tarun Bhattacharya |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
107 |
Shri Techi Gubin |
Social Work |
Arunachal Pradesh |
|
108 |
Shri Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam |
Art |
Tamil Nadu |
|
109 |
Ms. Tripti Mukherjee |
Art |
West Bengal |
|
110 |
Shri Veezhinathan Kamakoti |
Science and Engineering |
Tamil Nadu |
|
111 |
Shri Vempaty Kutumba Sastry |
Literature and Education |
Andhra Pradesh |
|
112 |
Shri Vladimer Mestvirishvili (Posthumous) |
Sports |
Georgia |
|
113 |
Shri Yumnam Jatra Singh (Posthumous) |
Art |
Manipur |
Last updated on January, 2026
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Padma Awards 2026 FAQs
Q1. How to apply for Padma Shri award 2026?+
Q2. Who got 3 Padma Awards and Bharat Ratna?+
Q3. Which is the 5 biggest award in India?+
Q4. Who refused Padma Awards?+
Q5. Who is eligible for Padma Shri?+
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