New Delhi, Apr 11: The nominations for Padma Awards 2026, which will be announced on Republic Day 2026, are open till July 31 this year. The process of nomination commenced on March 15, officials said.

The Union Home Ministry said the nominations and recommendations for Padma Awards will only be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in).

The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year.

The Award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements in all fields or disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.

The Government is committed to transform Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”. All citizens are, therefore, requested to make nominations/recommendations, including self-nomination. Concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society, the Ministry said.