Biju Patnaik Bravery Award is a distinguished recognition by the Government of Odisha for individuals showing exceptional courage. The scheme honors citizens who perform outstanding acts of bravery within the state or Odisha residents who do so across India, giving them a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, a silver medal, and a formal scroll.
Running annually under the Sports & Youth Services Department, this award commemorates the legacy of the late Biju Patnaik, former Chief Minister of Odisha. His own life was defined by brave acts, and the scheme keeps that spirit alive by celebrating those who go beyond personal safety to help others.
The Biju Patnaik Bravery Award 2026 cycle is now open for nominations. The Department has extended the application last date to 10th July 2026 for the 2025 award cycle. The notification was published on 15th May 2026 with updated guidelines and application forms available on the official website.
How to Apply
The application process is offline. The Department publishes the advertisement and prescribed format on the official Sports & Youth Services Department website every January. Physical forms are also available at the offices of the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and youth organizations like NCC, NSS, and NYKS.
STEP 1 - Prepare your application along with all required supporting documents. All documents must be self-attested; you do not need verification from a Gazetted Officer.
STEP 2 - Submit your nomination. You can nominate yourself, or nominations can come from officials such as the Collector, Superintendent of Police, or registered voluntary organizations.
STEP 3 - Send your documents to the Secretary, Odisha State Youth Welfare Board, C-1, Nayapalli, Unit-8, Bhubaneswar.
Scrutiny & Selection
A committee of three members, chaired by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, reviews all nominations. They verify the authenticity of the act before sending recommendations to the Minister of Sports & Youth Services for final approval.
Important Dates for 2026 Cycle
The timeline for the current cycle has been updated. Note the revised last date for applications.
- Advertisement Published: By 31st January
- Last Date to Apply: 10th July 2026 (extended)
- Selection Process: Completed by 31st May (provisional)
- Award Ceremony: 29th August (National Sports Day)
Benefits
When someone receives this honor, they get a cash award of ₹1,00,000, a silver medal, and a commemorative scroll. The Department covers travel expenses so awardees can attend the ceremony without worry. You will receive 1st class rail or bus fare, and the Department will arrange your stay in Bhubaneswar. For instance, if Rahul from Ganjam receives the award, the department organizes his travel and comfortable accommodation in the capital.
Keep these rules in mind:
- Canvassing for this award in any form is strictly prohibited.
- The award serves as a posthumous honor if necessary, given to the next of kin.
- If multiple people were involved in the same act of bravery, they share the prize money.
- The Department holds the right not to confer the award in a year if no suitable act of bravery is identified.
Eligibility
To apply for the Biju Patnaik Bravery Award, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be a citizen of India.
- If you perform a spectacular act of bravery within Odisha, you qualify. If you are a resident of Odisha who performed such an act outside the state, you remain eligible.
- You should have performed the heroic act between 1st January and 31st December of the previous year.
- You must not have any criminal convictions.
- The government grants this award to an individual only once in their lifetime.
Documents Required
To complete your application file, include the following:
- Valid identity proof
- Three recent passport-size photographs
- Copy of the FIR or Police Diary filed regarding the incident
- Relevant newspaper or magazine clippings covering the act
- Supporting photographs, if available
- Formal recommendation letters
- Clear documentary evidence proving the incident occurred
Cancellation & Recovery
Should any award be obtained through fraudulent means, it will be cancelled immediately. The recipient must return the cash, silver medal, and scroll. If these are not returned, the government will initiate recovery proceedings for the value of the award along with 5% simple annual interest.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Biju Patnaik Bravery Award |
| Level | State |
| Target | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Odisha |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash and Recognition |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Main Department | Sports and Youth Services Department |
| Running Agency | Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha |
| Last Date to Apply (2026) | 10th July 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | 29th August (National Sports Day) |
| Official Website | sports.odisha.gov.in |
| Guidelines | View Guidelines |
| Scheme Guidelines PDF | Download Guidelines PDF |
| Recommendation Proforma | Download Proforma |
FAQ's
What is Biju Patnaik Bravery Award?
This is a prestigious state-level award from the Government of Odisha honoring individuals for their outstanding acts of courage and bravery.
How often is this award conferred?
The government considers nominations annually for the most exceptional acts of bravery performed in the previous year.
Does the award include any financial benefits?
Yes, recipients are honored with a prize of ₹1,00,000, along with a silver medal and a scroll.
Is it possible to canvass for this award?
No, you are strictly prohibited from canvassing for the award in any manner.
Are posthumous awards available?
Yes, if the brave individual is no longer with us, the award can be conferred upon their next of kin.
What if multiple people helped in the same incident?
In such cases, the award money is shared equally among all involved individuals.
Is this award guaranteed every year?
The Department is not obligated to confer the award annually. If no suitable candidate is found, they may choose not to present the award for that year.
Who is eligible for this award?
Any person who performs a spectacular act of bravery in Odisha, or an Odisha resident who performs such an act outside the state, is eligible.
Is there a time limit for the action?
Yes, you must have performed the act between 1st January and 31st December of the year preceding the application.
Can a person with a criminal record apply?
No, an individual must not have been convicted of any criminal offence to be eligible.
Can an individual receive the award more than once?
No, the government confers this award to a person only one time in their life.
Where do I get the application form?
You can download the application form from the official Department website or collect it from your local District Collector or Superintendent of Police office.
Where should the nominations be sent?
You should send completed nominations to the Secretary, Odisha State Youth Welfare Board, located at C-1, Nayapalli, Unit-8, Bhubaneswar.