National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) is an annual award scheme run by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It recognizes and promotes excellence in digital governance, with winning organizations receiving a cash incentive of up to ₹10 lakh along with a trophy and certificate.
For the 2026 cycle, DARPG notified the 23rd National Awards for e-Governance scheme and invited nominations online through the National e-Governance portal from 1 September 2025 to 15 October 2025. A total of 16 awards were conferred across 7 categories, and the winners were honoured at the 29th National Conference on e-Governance held on 1 and 2 July 2026.
National Awards for e-Governance Overview
The scheme is a recurring national award that encourages innovation, clarity, and efficiency in public service delivery. It gives national-level appreciation to government departments, states, districts, gram panchayats, academic institutions, research organizations, and startups that have built strong digital governance projects.
Each year DARPG publishes fresh guidelines, categories, and application dates. The award helps spread good digital practices across the country and pushes departments to use technology well for citizens. Similar appreciation is given under other state award schemes such as Karmashree Chief Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration.
Objectives
The main aims of the scheme are to recognize achievements in e-Governance, spread knowledge on effective ways to design and run sustainable digital governance schemes, encourage new and useful e-Governance solutions, and promote the sharing of best practices and problem-solving methods among departments.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Awards for e-Governance |
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions |
| Nodal Department | Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances |
| Beneficiaries | Government organisations, business entities, industries, academic institutions, research organisations, startups |
| Benefit Type | Composite (trophy, certificate, cash incentive) |
| Gold Award | ₹10 lakh cash incentive |
| Silver Award | ₹5 lakh cash incentive |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | www.nceg.gov.in |
Benefits
Winning organizations receive a cash incentive along with national-level appreciation. The benefits are:
- Gold Award: Trophy, certificate, and a cash incentive of ₹10 lakh for the organization, along with certificates for up to 4 team members.
- Silver Award: Trophy, certificate, and a cash incentive of ₹5 lakh for the organization, along with certificates for up to 4 team members.
The incentive is meant for use in project or programme implementation or to bridge resource gaps in any area of public welfare. These awards give strong national visibility, confirm institutional credibility, and encourage other departments to copy good digital projects.
Eligibility
Nominations are open to a wide set of government and non-government bodies. The main conditions are:
- Central ministries and departments, state or union territory governments, district administrations, and urban local bodies can apply.
- Gram panchayats or equivalent traditional local bodies can apply under the grassroots category.
- Academic institutions, research organizations, and recognized startups are also eligible.
- For NAeG 2026, the project launch date had to fall between 01.07.2023 and 30.06.2025.
- The project had to be fully commissioned and operational as of 01.08.2025.
- Each applicant may submit only one project under a single category.
- The project must show innovation, efficiency, clarity, and citizen-centric design.
Application Process
Applications for the National Awards for e-Governance are submitted online only through the National e-Governance portal at www.nceg.gov.in. The steps for the 2026 cycle were:
STEP 1 - Visit the official National e-Governance portal at www.nceg.gov.in and open the National Awards section.
STEP 2 - Register the organization online using valid credentials and an active email ID. Online registration is required before applying.
STEP 3 - Log in to the account and select the relevant award category from the seven available categories.
STEP 4 - Fill in the application form with full project details and upload the required documents, including the self-certification form.
STEP 5 - Submit the application before the last date. Applications go through screening, evaluation, spot verification, and jury presentation before final selection.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready while applying online:
- Project proposal with a detailed description of the e-Governance scheme.
- Completed self-certification form (Format I for Government or Format II for Non-Government organizations).
- Proof of project implementation and operational status.
- Contact details of the project head and up to 3 team members.
- Supporting evidence of impact and outcomes.
- Organization registration details and presentation materials for the jury evaluation stage.
References
FAQ's
Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India.
Who is eligible to submit a nomination?
Government departments, states, districts, gram panchayats, academic institutions, research organizations, and eligible startups may apply.
Is this a recurring award?
Yes, the National Awards for e-Governance are presented every year. The 2026 cycle was the 23rd edition of the scheme.
Can I apply as an individual?
No, self-nominations or individual applications are not permitted. Only organizations and institutions can apply.
What was the required project operational date for 2026?
For NAeG 2026, projects had to be fully commissioned and operational as of 01.08.2025.
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted online only through the official National e-Governance portal at www.nceg.gov.in.
Can a project be submitted in multiple categories?
No, a project is limited to a single application category.