Nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2026, to be announced on Republic Day, have been open since March 15, 2025, and will close on July 31, 2025. Submissions must be made online via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal: https://awards.gov.in.
The Padma Awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among India’s highest civilian honours. Instituted in 1954, the awards recognize “work of distinction” and exceptional achievements across a broad spectrum of fields including Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, and Industry. They are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender. However, government servants (excluding Doctors and Scientists) and employees of Public Sector Undertakings are not eligible.
The Government of India continues its efforts to transform these honours into “People’s Padma.” Citizens are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals, including self-nominations, especially from underrepresented groups—women, SCs, STs, divyang individuals, and those engaged in selfless service.
Nominations must include all required details as per the format available on the portal, including a narrative citation (up to 800 words) clearly outlining the nominee’s distinguished contributions.
Further details are available under the ‘Awards and Medals’ section of the Ministry of Home Affairs website https://mha.gov.in and the Padma Awards Portal https://padmaawards.gov.in. For award statutes and rules, visit: https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx.
