National e-Governance Awards 2026 draw 802 nominations as focus sharpens on digital transformation
New Delhi: The National Awards for e-Governance 2026 have received 802 nominations by the closing date of December 29, reflecting growing participation by government institutions in digital governance initiatives.
According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, the awards aim to recognise and promote excellence in the implementation of e-governance across central ministries, states, Union Territories, districts and grassroots institutions.
The 2026 edition covers seven categories, including technology-led government process re-engineering, use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies for citizen-centric services, cybersecurity innovations, district-level e-governance initiatives, grassroots digital delivery by gram panchayats, replication of nationally awarded projects, and data analytics–driven digital platforms.
Category-wise, 341 nominations were received for government process re-engineering through technology, followed by 235 entries for district-level initiatives. Innovation using AI and other new-age technologies attracted 104 nominations, while 61 submissions were received for data analytics–based digital transformation. Replication and scaling of mission-mode projects saw 38 nominations, and cybersecurity-related initiatives accounted for 23 entries.
The government said nominations were invited through an online portal launched on September 23, 2025, which remained open for submissions from October 6 to December 29, 2025.
The evaluation process will involve multi-stage scrutiny, including shortlisting by a screening committee, on-ground spot studies of shortlisted projects by government officers, further evaluation by a second screening committee, and final recommendations by a jury committee chaired by the secretary of the department.
Winners of the National Awards for e-Governance 2026 will receive a trophy, a certificate and a financial incentive—₹10 lakh for gold awardees and ₹5 lakh for silver awardees. The incentive amount is to be used by the winning department or organisation for implementing projects, programmes or bridging gaps in public welfare delivery.
