National Award for Individual Excellence 2026: Recognising Outstanding Contributions in Disability Empowerment
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Quick answer
The National Award for Individual Excellence recognises individuals working towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Eligible candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by others by applying online through the official website. The scheme offers certificates, medals, and cash awards to selected awardees.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Certificates, medals, and cash awards |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
This scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aims to honour individuals who contribute significantly to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. It recognises outstanding persons, creative children, professionals, and innovators in the field of disability. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and submit necessary documents online to be considered for the awards.
Benefits
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹2.00 lakh for Sarvashreshth Divyangjan.
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹1.00 lakh for Shreshth Divyangjan.
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹1.00 lakh for Creative Child with Disabilities.
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹1.00 lakh for outstanding persons working for disability empowerment.
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹1.00 lakh for rehabilitation professionals.
- Certificate, medal, and cash award of ₹1.00 lakh for research/innovation in disability field.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant should have a disability of 40% or more as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Applicant can self-nominate or be nominated by another person for only one award category.
- Applicant should not have received any National Award in the past 5 years.
- Applicants for Most Outstanding and Outstanding categories must be above 18 years of age.
- Applicants for Creative Child category should be up to 18 years of age.
- Eligible disability categories include locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, and other specified disabilities.
- For other categories (empowerment, rehabilitation, research/innovation), any individual can apply or be nominated.
Documents required
- Disability certificate (40% or more).
- Completed nomination form.
- Proof of achievements/contributions.
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.).
- Optional endorsement/certificate from institution or guardian.
How to apply
- 1Visit the official website https://awards.gov.in/ and click on the Registration button.
- 2Select your category: Individual or Organisation.
- 3Fill in the required details and submit to complete registration.
- 4Log in to the portal using your registered credentials.
- 5Select the award scheme and click 'Nominate / Apply Now'.
- 6Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form.
- 7Click Submit to complete your application.
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of the National Award for Individual Excellence?+
The award recognises and encourages individuals working for the empowerment of persons with disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Who is eligible to apply for this award?+
Any eligible individual with a benchmark disability of 40% or more, or those working in the field of disability empowerment, may apply or be nominated.
What are the age criteria for applicants?+
Individuals for Sarvahresth Divyangjan and Shresth Divyangjan must be above 18 years. Creative child awards are for children up to 18 years.
Can someone apply for multiple categories?+
No, an applicant can be nominated for only one category in a given year.
What disabilities are recognised under this scheme?+
Locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, and any other specified disability listed in the RPwD Act, 2016.
Is there a cash prize for the award?+
Yes. Sarvahresth Divyangjan: ₹2,00,000; Other categories: ₹1,00,000 each, along with a medal and certificate.
How many awards are given in total?+
There are multiple awards: 6 for Sarvahresth Divyangjan, 10 for Shresth Divyangjan, 2 for Creative Child, and one each for other professional/research categories.
Is proof of achievements required?+
Yes, supporting documents or evidence validating the nominee’s contribution is mandatory.
Who selects the awardees?+
The National Selection Committee makes the final selection based on recommendations from Screening Committees.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)