Padma Awards 2026, Types, Nomination Process, Eligibility

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially opened the nomination process for the Padma Awards 2026, inviting citizens to submit recommendations until July 31, 2025. The awardees will be announced on Republic Day 2026, continuing the tradition of honouring India’s exceptional contributors. As per the official notification from the ministry, the nomination process began on March 15, 2025. Interested individuals can submit recommendations exclusively through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at awards.gov.in. 

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.

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Padma Awards 2026 Nominations Process

The Padma Awards 2026 Nominations Process began on March 15, 2025, and will remain open until July 31, 2025. Nominations are accepted exclusively through the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, providing an accessible and transparent platform for the public to participate. 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:

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

1. All Indian citizens are eligible for consideration.
2. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and foreign nationals are also eligible to be nominated.
3. 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.
4. While the awards are typically not conferred posthumously, exceptions may be made in highly deserving and rare cases.
5. 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 Selection Process

All nominations for the Padma Awards 2026 undergo multi-tiered evaluation process to ensure fairness, transparency, and merit-based selection:

1. 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.
2. After thorough deliberation and scrutiny, the committee submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for final approval.
3. 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:

1. A Sanad (an official certificate of recognition) bearing the signature of the President of India.
2. A medallion symbolising the conferment of the award.
3. A miniature replica of the medal, intended for use on ceremonial and official occasions.

Padma Awards 2025 Winners List

The Padma Awards 2025 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 139 recipients were honoured, reflecting the inclusivity and diversity of the awards. The Padma Awards 2025 Winners List includes notable women achievers, posthumous recognitions, and international awardees whose efforts have made a significant impact both within India and globally.