- Deadline for nominations is July 31, 2025 via awards.gov.in
- Awards recognize excellence across diverse fields
- UGC urges Higher Education Institutions to participate
The nomination process for the Padma Awards 2026 has officially commenced. The Ministry of Home Affairs is inviting recommendations for the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri awards.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has actively called on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India to identify deserving individuals. They should submit detailed citations through the portal.
Celebrating Excellence Across All Walks of Life
The Padma Awards, established in 1954, reflect India’s commitment to recognizing those who have made significant contributions to society. These awards serve not just as a personal honor but also as a national celebration of excellence, innovation, and dedication. Past recipients have included scientists, artists, social reformers, and public servants whose efforts have profoundly impacted the nation.
What makes the Padma Awards especially meaningful is their inclusivity—any citizen can be nominated. Nominations can come from individuals or institutions, including universities and grassroots organizations. Self-nominations are also accepted, encouraging a broader and more democratic range of submissions. Additionally, the 800-word citation required for each nomination plays a vital role in showcasing the nominee’s work and societal impact.
In recent years, there has been a conscious effort by the government to honor “unsung heroes”—individuals whose work may not have made headlines but has transformed lives at the grassroots level. This has democratized the process and enhanced the prestige of the awards.
Additionally, the online submission system via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal simplifies the nomination process. It ensures wider accessibility. The government aims to uphold transparency, fairness, and representation in the selection process while encouraging all sectors to come forward with recommendations.
The Padma Awards 2026 present an opportunity to celebrate and elevate India’s changemakers. With the nomination deadline approaching, individuals and institutions alike are urged to recognize and reward excellence in every field.
“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.” — John Ruskin
