Padma Awards 2026: Civilian Honours, Eligibility & Nomination Process

At a glance

About the scheme

Instituted in 1954 by the Government of India and managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in the country. The awards comprise three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service. The awards recognise 'excellence plus', honouring individuals who combine exceptional domain achievement with dedicated public service across diverse disciplines.

Benefits

• Conferment of civilian honours: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri
• Sanad (Certificate) signed by the President of India
• Medallion along with a miniature replica for ceremonial use
• National recognition, prestige, and publication of the awardee's name in the Gazette of India
• Conferment ceremony conducted at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically in March or April

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Open to any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender
• Must have rendered distinguished or exceptional service in fields such as Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports, or others
• Must demonstrate 'excellence plus', combining excellence with public service
• Serving government employees are not eligible, except for doctors and scientists
• May be considered posthumously only in rare and highly deserving cases within 1 year of demise
• A minimum gap of 5 years is required before receiving a higher category Padma award
• The award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix title to the recipient's name

Who cannot apply

• Serving government employees (excluding doctors and scientists)
• Individuals seeking a higher category Padma award within 5 years of receiving an earlier award
• Posthumous nominations, unless falling under rare and highly deserving cases within 1 year of demise
• Anyone misusing the honour as a personal title

Documents required

• Detailed citation of achievements
• Supporting documents and evidence of work
• Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Passport)
• Recommendation letters (if applicable)
• Publications or media coverage
• Self-nomination details

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official Padma Awards Portal at https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/ between 15th March and 31st July.
2. 2Register or log in using required credentials on the portal.
3. 3Complete the online nomination form with all personal and background details of the nominee.
4. 4Upload supporting evidence, identity verification, and a detailed citation outlining achievements.
5. 5Verify all entered details, including the nominee's name in Hindi, and submit the nomination before the deadline.

Frequently asked questions