Gomant Vibhushan Award is the highest civilian honour of Goa. Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa runs this state recognition program to honour Goan personalities who have done exceptional work in fields like literature, sports, art, medicine, social work, science, public affairs and many others. Selected people receive a formal citation, a memento and a cash purse of ₹ 5,00,000.
Government of Goa has released the application form for the 2026-27 cycle. Directorate of Art and Culture had extended the last date for sending applications or recommendations to 17 July 2026. The award is given once in two years and it celebrates pride for the state through the work of its people.
Gomant Vibhushan Award - Introduction
Gomant Vibhushan Award is a dignified platform created by Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, to identify and honour renowned Goan personalities. This scheme recognizes those who have made distinguished contributions through extraordinary achievements in fields such as art, culture, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, civil services, public affairs, trade, science, engineering, industry, economics, philosophy and politics at both national and international levels. This honour is presented once in two years.
Objectives
This scheme works with two clear aims.
- To honour Goan-origin personalities who have done admirable and exceptional work in their professional fields.
- To felicitate Goan individuals who have brought pride and global recognition to the state through their reputation and achievements.
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Gomant Vibhushan Award |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual |
| State | Goa |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment, Sports and Culture |
| Benefit Type | Composite Award |
| Cash Purse | ₹ 5,00,000 |
| Frequency | Once in two years |
| DBT Enabled | No |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
Benefits
Selected recipients receive a formal citation, a commemorative memento and a financial purse amounting to ₹ 5,00,000. The award is presented by the Governor of Goa at a public function, which gives the honour a special standing among state awards.
Eligibility
Any person of Goan origin, without any difference of race, occupation, position, age or sex, can be recommended for this award.
- You must be of Goan origin to qualify for this recognition.
- You should have distinguished and exceptional achievements or services in fields like arts, literature, medicine, social work, civil services, public affairs, science, industry, economics, philosophy or politics at a national or international level.
- The award is not presented posthumously. However, if a nominee passes away after their name is officially recommended, the Task Force Committee may consider bestowing the award posthumously.
Exclusions
There are two clear limits on who can receive this award.
- You are not eligible for a second award if you have previously received this recognition.
- Posthumous nominations are generally not accepted unless the nominee dies after the formal recommendation process has already begun.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
STEP 1 - Visit the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, located at 5th Floor, Shram Shakti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa - 403001.
STEP 2 - Obtain the application proforma either from the office or by printing the latest Gomant Vibhushan Award 2026-27 application form from the official website. The form carries a charge of ₹ 10.
STEP 3 - Complete the form accurately with the recommender and recommendee details, attach a passport-sized photograph signed across, and include all required supporting documents such as ID proof, biodata, Aadhaar and PAN copies.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application to the Director or the ACO-III, Directorate of Art and Culture. For support, contact them at 0832-2404606 or email at aco6-dac.goa@nic.in.
Documents
Keep these documents ready while filling the form.
- Copy of the recommender's ID proof along with a brief biodata of not more than one page.
- Detailed biodata of the person being recommended.
- Passport size photograph of the recommendee.
- Copy of Aadhaar and PAN card of the recommendee.
- Citation write-up of about two pages describing the achievements.
References
FAQ's
Which fields are covered under this award?
The award recognizes excellence in art, culture, literature, education, sports, medicine, social work, civil service, industry, science, philosophy and politics.
How often is the award given?
Gomant Vibhushan Award is presented once in two years.
Who qualifies for this recognition?
Any individual of Goan origin who shows exceptional merit at the national or international level qualifies for consideration.
Are posthumous awards allowed?
While typically excluded, exceptions may be made by the Task Force Committee if a nominee passes away after the official recommendation process.
Can I receive this award more than once?
No, the award is a one-time honour per individual.
What is the monetary reward?
Recipients receive a total financial purse of ₹ 5,00,000.
What is the role of the Task Force Committee?
This committee is appointed by the Directorate of Art and Culture to manage the selection process and evaluate nominations.
Are there limits on the number of awards?
The number of awards depends on the eligibility of nominees and available government funding.
Is this award for organizations?
No, this scheme is strictly for recognizing individual accomplishments.
How are nominations submitted?
Nominations are typically submitted by recommenders who attest to the candidate's achievements.
Does the Department of Art and Culture oversee the process?
Yes, the department handles everything from receiving applications to organizing the felicitation event.
Are there age constraints?
No, there are no age restrictions for nominees.
Are Goans working outside the state eligible?
Yes, as long as you are of Goan origin and your work has achieved national or international recognition, you are eligible.