Deadline for Padma Awards 2026 Nominations Extended to August 15: MHA Calls for ‘People’s Padma’ Entries
Citizens encouraged to nominate unsung heroes from across fields via Rashtriya Puraskar Portal
New Delhi, July 30: The Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the last date for submitting nominations for the prestigious Padma Awards 2026 to August 15, 2025, offering the public more time to recommend deserving individuals from all walks of life.
Originally scheduled to close on July 31, the nomination window has been extended to encourage broader participation in the government’s push to transform the Padma Awards into the “People’s Padma.” Nominations and recommendations must be submitted only through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at https://awards.gov.in.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri — are among India’s highest civilian honours. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day, recognising “work of distinction” and exceptional achievements across a wide spectrum of fields, including Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science, Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, and Trade and Industry.
The Ministry reiterated that all persons, irrespective of race, occupation, position or gender, are eligible for the awards. However, government servants, including those in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are not eligible, except for doctors and scientists.
As part of the “People’s Padma” initiative, the government is making concerted efforts to bring forth unsung heroes, especially from women, SCs/STs, weaker sections, divyang persons, and individuals engaged in selfless service to society.
Nominations must include complete information as per the specified format on the portal, along with a citation in narrative form of up to 800 words, highlighting the nominee’s exceptional contributions in their respective field.
Additional details, including the rules and statutes governing the Padma Awards, are available on the Ministry of Home Affairs website (https://mha.gov.in) and the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in).
