Padma Awards 2026 nominations are now open, offering Indian citizens the opportunity to recognise and honour those who have significantly contributed to the nation across diverse fields. Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in India and are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. These awards celebrate individuals whose work exemplifies excellence, commitment, and service to society. If you’re wondering what are Padma Awards are and how you can nominate someone, read on for a complete guide to the Padma Awards 2026.

What are Padma Awards?

The Padma Awards were established to honour individuals for their distinguished and exceptional achievements in various spheres of activity. These include art, literature, education, science, engineering, medicine, public affairs, social work, trade and industry, sports, and many more. While the awards are a national recognition, they are increasingly seen as “People’s Padma,” thanks to the government’s efforts to make the process inclusive and transparent.

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Types of Padma Awards

There are three types of Padma Awards, each reflecting a different level of contribution. Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are conferred in three categories:

These awards celebrate achievements that go beyond professional success, seeking to honour individuals who have demonstrated a spirit of selfless service to society.

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Padma Awards 2026 Nominations

The nomination process for Padma Awards 2026 began on 15th March 2025 and will continue until 31st July 2025. All nominations or recommendations must be submitted online via the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.

Anyone can nominate a deserving individual, including self-nomination. The Government encourages citizens to identify and nominate individuals from marginalised sections of society, including women, SCs, STs, Divyangjans, and others, offering selfless service.

Each nomination should include

• A detailed citation (maximum 800 words).
• Relevant achievements in the respective field.
• Supporting documentation (if available).

More information can be accessed on the Ministry of Home Affairs site: https://mha.gov.in and the Padma Awards Portal: https://padmaawards.gov.in.

Padma Awards 2026 Eligibility

All citizens of India, regardless of race, gender, occupation, or position, are eligible for the Padma Awards 2026, provided their contributions meet the award’s criteria. However:

• Government servants, including those working with PSUs, are not eligible unless they are Doctors or Scientists.
• The awards may be given posthumously in rare and deserving cases.
• A person may receive a higher category award only if 5 years have passed since their last Padma recognition, unless waived in extraordinary circumstances.

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Fields Covered under Padma Awards 2026

The Padma Awards 2026 aim to recognise excellence in a wide spectrum of fields. These awards celebrate individuals who have made distinguished and exceptional contributions in their respective domains. Below are the fields considered for the Padma Awards 2026:

• 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, and 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.

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How to Nominate for Padma Awards 2026

To submit nominations for Padma Awards 2026, visit https://awards.gov.in and follow these steps:

1. Create an account or log in.
2. Fill in the nominee’s details and attach supporting documents.
3. Provide a narrative citation (max 800 words) justifying the nomination.
4. Submit before 31st July 2025.

Padma Awards 2026 Selection Process

All nominations for the Padma Awards 2026 go through a rigorous selection process:

1. Reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister annually.
2. The committee submits recommendations to the Prime Minister and President of India.
3. Final awardees are announced on 26th January 2026 (Republic Day).

Ceremony and Recognition

Awardees are invited to a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March/April 2026, where the President of India presents:

• A Sanad (Certificate)
• A Medallion
• A miniature medal for ceremonial occasions

Note: The Padma Awards carry no monetary benefit and do not confer titles.

Posthumous Recognition

While the Padma Awards are generally not given posthumously, exceptions are made in highly deserving and rare cases.

Limit on Awards

A maximum of 120 awards (excluding foreigners and posthumous cases) are given each year to maintain the Awards’ sanctity.

Padma Awards 2025

The Padma Awards 2025 honoured remarkable individuals across diverse disciplines, recognising their outstanding service to the nation and humanity. A total of 139 awardees were announced, including women achievers, posthumous awardees, and international contributors.

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Here’s a quick snapshot of the Padma Awards 2025:

This diverse list includes 23 women, 13 posthumous awards, and 10 awardees from the NRI/PIO/OCI/Foreigner category.

Conclusion

The Padma Awards 2026 are more than just honours—they represent India’s gratitude to those who uplift society through their extraordinary deeds. As nominations are open until 31st July 2025, now is the time to reflect on who in your community deserves national recognition. With the government promoting transparency and inclusivity through public nominations, these awards have evolved into a true celebration of India’s rich talent and service spirit.

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