National Awards To Teachers (Higher Education) 2026: ₹50,000 Cash Prize & Nomination Process
Verified with the official myScheme record on हिंदी में पढ़ें
Quick answer
The National Awards to Teachers (Higher Education) recognises outstanding regular faculty in Indian colleges and universities with a medal, certificate, and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Full-time faculty under 55 years of age with at least five years of UG or PG teaching experience can be nominated by their institution's leadership or colleagues. Nominations must be submitted online through the official National Awards Portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹50,000 cash prize, medal, and certificate |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | Up to 55 years |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
Administered by the Ministry of Education, the National Award to Teachers (Higher Education) honours 50 exceptional faculty members across India every year for their dedication, impactful teaching, research, and community service. Conferred annually on 5th September, the award includes a formal medal, a certificate, and a cash prize of ₹50,000. Nominees undergo a rigorous two-tier selection procedure involving a Preliminary Search cum Screening Committee and a final Jury, ensuring that exemplary educators enriching higher education are formally celebrated.
Benefits
- Cash prize of ₹50,000.
- A prestigious medal.
- A formal certificate of honour.
- Conferment of 50 awards annually (25 in Category II and 25 in Category III) on 5th September.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must be a regular faculty member in an Indian college, university, or higher educational institution.
- Must possess at least 5 years of full-time teaching experience at the Undergraduate or Post-graduate level.
- Must not be above 55 years of age as of the last date for submitting applications.
- Former Vice-Chancellors, Directors, or Principals are eligible only if they are currently teaching full-time.
Who cannot apply
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Serving regular or officiating Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals are not eligible.
- Members of the Award Jury are not permitted to nominate candidates.
- Nominations submitted after the closing date are not accepted.
Documents required
- Nomination Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the nominee
- Detailed write-up on the nominee's contributions
- Supporting evidence (research publications, patents, awards, testimonials, recommendation letters)
- Aadhaar Card
- Nominee photograph
How to apply
- 1Open the official National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
- 2Click on the Registration link and register either as an Individual or an Organisation with verified Aadhaar details.
- 3Log in to the portal using your newly created user credentials.
- 4Find 'National Awards To Teachers (Higher Education)' from the award list and click 'Nominate / Apply Now'.
- 5Fill in all mandatory nominee details, upload the CV and supporting documents, and submit the online application.
Frequently asked questions
Can a teacher self-nominate for the National Awards to Teachers (Higher Education)?+
No, self-nomination is strictly not permitted. Nominations must be made by the Vice-Chancellor, Director, Principal, a colleague from the same institution, or a search committee member.
How much cash prize is given to awardees?+
Awardees receive a cash prize of ₹50,000, along with a medal and a certificate.
What is the maximum age limit for nominated faculty?+
Nominees must not be older than 55 years of age as on the final date of receiving nominations.
Are Vice-Chancellors and Principals eligible for this award?+
Serving regular or officiating Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals are not eligible. However, former heads who have returned to full-time teaching may be nominated.
Can an applicant be re-nominated in subsequent years?+
Yes, re-nomination is permitted under the scheme guidelines.
When is the award ceremony held?+
The award presentation ceremony is conducted annually on 5th September (National Teachers' Day).
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)