Nominations for Padma Awards 2026 Closing on July 31: Home Ministry

Key Takeaways

Padma Awards nominations close on July 31, 2026.
Online nominations enhance transparency.
Focus on contributions rather than identity.
Aim to recognize unsung heroes from diverse backgrounds.
Encouragement for public nominations.

New Delhi, April 11 (NationPress) The nomination and recommendation process for the Padma Awards-2026, which will be revealed on Republic Day 2026, is set to conclude on July 31, as announced by an official on Friday.

The online nomination initiative was launched on March 15 on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in), according to the official.

The Padma Awards, consisting of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, rank among the highest civilian honors in the nation. Established in 1954, these awards are announced annually on Republic Day.

In 2025, 113 individuals received the Padma Shri, 19 were awarded the Padma Bhushan, and seven earned the Padma Vibhushan.

Since 2014, the Modi government has implemented two significant changes to the Padma Awards nomination process aimed at enhancing transparency and honoring grassroots workers.

The introduction of an online nomination system has enhanced the process's transparency, enabling anyone to nominate deserving individuals for these awards. This change has reduced dependency on endorsements from politicians or officials, which previously fostered corruption.

The government's emphasis on work rather than identity during the selection process has ensured that unsung heroes from modest backgrounds receive recognition. This approach prioritizes the nominee's contributions and achievements over their fame or status.

This transformation has resulted in acknowledging unsung heroes from rural areas and less conventional fields, thus honoring those whose work is distinguished and exceptional in various domains such as Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, and Trade and Industry.

All individuals are eligible for these awards, irrespective of their race, occupation, position, or gender. Government employees, including those in PSUs, are ineligible for Padma Awards, according to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The government aims to transform the Padma Awards into a “People's Padma”. Therefore, all citizens are encouraged to submit nominations or recommendations, including self-nominations.

Efforts should be made to identify talented individuals deserving recognition, especially from among women, marginalized communities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, divyang individuals, and those engaged in selfless community service, as stated in the announcement.