The Government of India has officially opened the nomination process for the Padma Awards 2027, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Nominations and recommendations started on 15 March 2026 and will continue until 31 July 2026. The awards will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day 2027.
All nominations for the awards will be accepted only through the online Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, making the process transparent and accessible to citizens across the country.
Padma Awards: Among India’s Highest Civilian Honours
The Padma Awards are among the most prestigious civilian awards in India. Instituted in 1954, the awards are presented annually to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and distinguished service in their respective fields.
The Padma Awards consist of three categories:
Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service of the highest order
Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of high order
Padma Shri – for distinguished service in any field
These honours celebrate contributions in a wide range of disciplines including Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Services, Trade and Industry, and many other sectors that contribute to national development.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
The Padma Awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, gender, or social status, reflecting the inclusive nature of these national honours. However, government servants working with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are generally not eligible, except doctors and scientists, who may still be considered due to the importance of their professional contributions.
Nominations and recommendations must be submitted through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, where the required format and submission guidelines are available.
Applicants must provide detailed information about the nominee’s achievements, highlighting the exceptional contributions made in their respective field.
Government’s Vision: “People’s Padma”
The Government of India aims to transform the Padma Awards into “People’s Padma,” encouraging wider participation from the public in identifying deserving individuals who may not be widely recognised.
Citizens are encouraged to nominate individuals who have made selfless contributions to society, particularly those from women, weaker sections of society, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and divyang communities.
This initiative aims to ensure that grassroots heroes and unsung achievers receive national recognition for their impactful work.
Where to Find Official Details
Detailed guidelines and information about the nomination process are available on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs under the “Awards and Medals” section.
Additional information about eligibility criteria, statutes, and rules governing the awards can also be accessed through the Padma Awards official portal.
Encouraging Citizens to Nominate Unsung Heroes
The Government has urged citizens, institutions, and organisations to actively participate in the nomination process and identify individuals whose work deserves national recognition. By encouraging public nominations and even self-nominations, the Padma Awards continue to evolve as a platform that honours excellence, dedication, and service to society.
