Nominations for the Padma Awards-2026 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day next year have started on Saturday. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 31st July. The nominations and recommendations for Padma Awards will only be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

The Padma Awards – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. The Awards seek to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements in all disciplines, such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, and Trade and Industry. 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.