National Awards for e-Governance 2026: Up to ₹10 Lakh Cash Award, Eligibility & Online Application

At a glance

About the scheme

Administered by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) honours excellence in digital transformation. The scheme promotes citizen-centric service delivery, transparency, and innovation across public governance. It provides a platform to exchange sustainable technological practices and acknowledge initiatives from central and state departments, local bodies, academic institutions, research organisations, and DPIIT-recognised startups.

Benefits

• Gold Award: Trophy, certificate, ₹10,00,000 institutional incentive, and certificates for up to 4 team members.
• Silver Award: Trophy, certificate, ₹5,00,000 institutional incentive, and certificates for up to 4 team members.
• Prestigious national-level recognition for digital governance and innovation.
• Opportunity to promote best practices and facilitate nationwide project replication.
• Enhanced credibility and visibility for the participating organisation.
• One-time, non-recurring grant released to the organisation for project deployment or public welfare work.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• The applicant must be a central ministry or department, state/UT government, district administration, or urban local body.
• Academic institutions, research organisations, and DPIIT-recognised startups are also eligible.
• The project must be an e-governance initiative built using information and communication technology.
• The project must have launched between 01.10.2023 and 30.09.2025.
• The project must be completely operational as on 01.12.2025.
• Only one project can be submitted per applicant under a specific category.
• The initiative must show clear evidence of innovation, efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centric public service delivery.

Who cannot apply

• Individual or self-nominations are not allowed.
• Submitting the same project under multiple award categories is not permitted.

Documents required

• Project proposal document with detailed description
• Self-certification form (Format I for government entities or Format II for non-government entities)
• Proof of project implementation and operational status
• Details of team members (maximum 3 members along with the project head)
• Supporting documents demonstrating project impact and outcomes
• Organisation registration details and valid email ID
• Presentation materials (required if shortlisted for the jury stage)

How to apply

1. 1Go to the official National e-Governance portal (NCEG portal) at nceg.gov.in.
2. 2Register your organisation on the portal using valid institutional credentials and email address.
3. 3Log in using the newly created username and password.
4. 4Choose the appropriate award category for your digital initiative.
5. 5Fill out the online application form with comprehensive project details.
6. 6Upload the required documents, including the mandatory self-certification form.
7. 7Submit the application online before the official deadline.
8. 8Await further evaluation, which includes screening, spot verification, and a presentation before the jury.

Frequently asked questions