Padma Awards 2026: Nominations Open Until July 31, 2025

The Government of India has invited nominations for the Padma Awards 2026, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. The nomination process began on March 15, 2025, and will remain open until July 31, 2025. The awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — will be announced on Republic Day, January 26, 2026.

Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards recognize individuals for distinguished and exceptional service in a wide range of disciplines including Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, and Trade and Industry. The awards are open to all citizens without discrimination based on race, gender, occupation, or position. However, government employees, including those working in PSUs, are generally ineligible, except for doctors and scientists.

In line with its vision of transforming the Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”, the government has called on the public to actively participate by nominating individuals who have made exceptional contributions, particularly those from marginalized communities, women, SC/STs, divyang (differently-abled) persons, and others engaged in selfless service.

Nominations, including self-nominations, can only be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at [https://awards.gov.in]. Each nomination must include detailed personal information along with a citation (maximum 800 words) highlighting the nominee’s achievements and impact in their field.

Further information, including nomination guidelines and award rules, can be accessed on the Ministry of Home Affairs website [https://mha.gov.in] and the official Padma Awards portal [https://padmaawards.gov.in]. 

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