New Delhi, March 15 The nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards, to be announced on Republic Day 2027 for outstanding achievements and service, began on Sunday.
The last date for submitting nominations is July 31, 2026, according to a government statement.
"Nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards will only be accepted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in)," it stated.
The Padma Awards, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are among the highest civilian awards in the country.
The awards are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day since their inception in 1954, to recognize "distinguished work," it said.
These awards are given for outstanding and exceptional achievements and service in all fields and disciplines, such as Art, Literature, and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry, etc., the government said.
"All persons, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender, are eligible for these awards. Government employees, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the Padma Awards," it stated.
The statement said the government is "committed" to transforming the Padma Awards into "people's Padma."
"Therefore, all citizens are requested to submit nominations/recommendations, including self-nominations. Efforts should be made to identify talented individuals whose excellence and achievements truly deserve recognition, particularly among women, marginalized sections of society, SCs and STs, persons with disabilities, and those who are rendering selfless service to society," it said.
The nominations and recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the portal, clearly highlighting the distinguished and exceptional achievements and service of the person being nominated in their respective field and discipline, it said.
"Details in this regard are also available under the heading 'Awards and Medals' on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in)," it stated.
The statutes and rules relating to these awards are also available on the website, the statement added.