The Government of India has opened the nomination process for the Padma Awards–2026, which will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2026. Nominations and recommendations commenced on 15th March 2025 and will remain open until 31st July 2025. Submissions are to be made exclusively online via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.
The Padma Awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among India’s highest civilian honours. Instituted in 1954, these awards are conferred annually to recognize distinguished and exceptional achievements across various fields such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry, among others.
Eligibility for the awards is open to all citizens of India, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. However, government servants, including those working in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are not eligible, except in the case of Doctors and Scientists.
In alignment with the Government’s initiative to make these awards truly “People’s Padma,” citizens are strongly encouraged to actively participate by nominating deserving individuals—including self-nominations. Emphasis is placed on identifying outstanding contributors from women, SCs, STs, divyang persons, and other weaker sections of society, especially those engaged in selfless service.
Nominations must be submitted in the prescribed format available on the portal and should include all required details. A citation in narrative form (up to 800 words) must accompany the nomination, clearly outlining the nominee’s exceptional contributions in their respective field.
Further information, including award guidelines, eligibility, and statutes, can be found under the ‘Awards and Medals’ section on the Ministry of Home Affairs website (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in). Direct access to award rules is available at https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx.
The Government invites all citizens to take part in honouring India’s finest by nominating individuals whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on society.
