SRINAGAR: The Government of India has commenced the nomination process for the Padma Awards 2026, with entries being accepted from March 15 until July 31, 2025. The nominations and recommendations will be processed exclusively through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
The Padma Awards—Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among India’s highest civilian honours, announced annually on Republic Day. Instituted in 1954, these awards recognise individuals for distinguished and exceptional achievements in fields including Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, and Civil Service. While all citizens are eligible, government servants, except doctors and scientists, are not considered for the awards.
The Government aims to make the Padma Awards more inclusive, urging citizens to submit nominations, including self-nominations, and to highlight contributions from women, weaker sections, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), persons with disabilities, and those dedicated to selfless service.
Nominations must include all required details as per the prescribed format, along with an 800-word citation outlining the nominee’s contributions. Further information is available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website and the Padma Awards portal.
