Nominations open for Padma Awards 2026, submissions accepted online till July 31

The Ministry of Home Affairs has invited nominations for the Padma Awards 2026. The nominations can be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal till the 31st of July. The Ministry, in a statement, said that the nominations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the aforementioned Portal, including a citation in narrative form, clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements of the people recommended in their respective fields.

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted



in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The Award seeks to recognise ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements in all disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry, etc. 

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants, including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.