AI SummaryNational Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award is presented by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, to honor vaidyas and Ayurveda experts who show excellence, innovation, and high standards in the field of Ayurveda through healthy competition.
Nominations for the 2026 award cycle were invited through the official awards portal from 1 May 2026 to 30 June 2026. That window has now closed, and the winners are set to be announced on 22 September 2026 with the award ceremony held on Ayurveda Day, celebrated on 23 September each year.
National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award - Key Details
Ministry of Ayush set up this award in 2016 to recognize exceptional work in Ayurveda. The scheme encourages best practices, supports scientific research, and appreciates vaidyas who have added to the growth of the Indian system of medicine at the national and international level. Three awardees are selected every year.
Key Information
Below is a quick summary of the award details.
| Scheme Name | National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Award |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Ayush |
| Cash Prize | ₹ 5 lakh |
| Number of Awards | 3 every year |
| Nomination Period (2026) | 1 May 2026 to 30 June 2026 |
| Ceremony | Ayurveda Day, 23 September |
Eligibility
The ministry has set clear rules for who can apply for this award. Each applicant must meet all the conditions given below.
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen with a recognized degree in Ayurveda under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020, or the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.
- The applicant needs a minimum of 20 years of professional experience and must be at least 40 years old at the time of applying.
- The candidate must have made big national or international contributions to Ayurveda through research, teaching, policy planning, or by helping add Ayurveda to national health programs.
- Past recipients of this award are not eligible to apply a second time.
Benefits
Awardees receive a cash prize of ₹ 5 lakh, along with a trophy, a sanada, a citation, and a shawl or Angvastram. Three recipients are selected for this award every year, and the prize is handed over at the Ayurveda Day ceremony on 23 September.
Documents
Applicants need to keep the following documents ready before filling in the nomination form.
- A completed nomination or application form submitted online through the official awards portal.
- Valid proof of an Ayurvedic degree recognized under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020, or the Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970.
- Documentary evidence proving at least 20 years of professional experience.
- Supporting papers that show contributions to Ayurveda, such as research papers, teaching records, policy documents, or work done in national health programs.
Application Process
For the 2026 cycle, nominations were accepted only through the official awards portal between 1 May 2026 and 30 June 2026. That window is now closed. Here are the steps that were followed so you know how to apply when the next cycle opens.
STEP 1 - Visit the official awards portal at awards.gov.in and select the Registration button. Choose the category as Individual or Organization and submit the required details, including name, date of birth, mobile number, email, and Aadhaar number, then click Submit.
STEP 2 - Log in to the account using the applicant login portal. Select this scheme from the awards library and click on Nominate or Apply Now.
STEP 3 - Complete the online form with all mandatory fields, upload the required documents, and submit the application for review. Keep the application number safe for future reference.
Selection Process
Applications received online are checked to build a data sheet on essential, desirable, and additional criteria. Qualifying candidates are scored, and the final selection is recorded. The winners are announced on 22 September and the award is presented on Ayurveda Day, 23 September.
References
- Official Advertisement for National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award 2026
- Applications and Nomination Login Portal
FAQ's
What is the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award?
It is a national honor given by the Ministry of Ayush to vaidyas and Ayurveda experts who have shown dedicated and long service to the field.
Who is eligible for this award?
Ayurvedic practitioners with a recognized degree, at least 20 years of professional experience, and a minimum age of 40 years can apply, provided they meet all the conditions set by the Ministry of Ayush.
What is the minimum age for applicants?
Applicants must be at least 40 years old.
Can past winners receive the award again?
No, past recipients are not eligible to receive the same award a second time.
How many awards are granted every year?
The ministry selects three recipients for this award each year.
Who can nominate candidates?
Eligible practitioners may nominate themselves or be nominated by another individual.
When were the 2026 nominations open?
Nominations for the 2026 cycle were open from 1 May 2026 to 30 June 2026 and have now closed. The winners will be announced on 22 September 2026.
What does the awardee receive?
Each awardee receives a cash prize of ₹ 5 lakh, a trophy, a sanada, a citation, and a shawl or Angvastram.
Are foreign nationals eligible?
No, this award is strictly for Indian citizens.