Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in India, announced every year by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day. For 2026, the President approved 131 Padma Awards across three categories, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
These awards recognise people who have shown excellence and distinguished service in fields like art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The scheme continues to honour both well-known names and unsung heroes working at the grassroots.
Padma Awards - Introduction
Padma Awards are prestigious civilian honours instituted in 1954 and announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field. There is no cash reward attached to these awards; the value lies in national appreciation and recognition.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Padma Awards |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Target Audience | Individuals |
| States | All |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Benefit Type | Recognition (Non-monetary) |
Padma Awards 2026
The list for 2026 was announced on 25 January 2026, a day before Republic Day. President Droupadi Murmu approved conferment of 131 Padma Awards, which include 2 duo cases where the award is counted as one. The list has 19 women awardees, 6 recipients from the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous awards.
The awards are presented by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually around March or April. For 2026, the first Civil Investiture Ceremony was held on 25 May 2026. The scheme remains fully active, and nominations are invited every year for the next cycle.
Benefits
Awardees receive national appreciation and prestige for their contributions to society. The main benefits are:
- Conferment of the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri, depending on the level of service.
- A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India, which stands as the official record of the honour.
- A medallion and a miniature replica for ceremonial use.
- Official publication of the awardee name in the Gazette of India.
- Physical presentation ceremony held annually at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Eligibility
Any person can be considered for the Padma Awards regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. The main conditions are:
- The nominee must have shown distinguished or exceptional service in their field.
- Candidates should show excellence combined with public service.
- Serving government employees are not eligible, except doctors and scientists.
- Posthumous awards are considered in rare cases within 1 year of the expiry.
- A minimum gap of 5 years is required to receive a higher category award.
- The award must not be used as a title before or after the name.
Application Process
Nominations are invited every year, usually from 15th March to 31st July, for the awards to be announced the following Republic Day. The process is fully online through the official portal.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Padma Awards Portal or the general awards portal at awards.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Register or log in using official credentials on the portal.
STEP 3 - Complete the nomination form with all required details about the candidate.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents, including a detailed citation and supporting evidence.
STEP 5 - Submit the form before the deadline. The Padma Awards Committee then evaluates nominations on merit and sends its final recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while filling the nomination:
- Detailed citation of achievements
- Supporting evidence of work
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport)
- Recommendation letters
- Publications or media coverage documentation
References
FAQ's
When were the Padma Awards instituted?
These awards were instituted in 1954 and announced every year on the eve of Republic Day.
Are there cash rewards provided?
No, there is no monetary reward associated with these awards. The value lies in national appreciation.
Who selects the recipients?
The Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister every year, selects the recipients.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, individuals may self-nominate through the official portal.
Can recipients use the award as a title?
No, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the name.
When are the awards presented?
The awards are announced every year on 26th January and presented in March or April at Rashtrapati Bhavan.