Nominations and recommendations for the Padma Awards 2027, to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, have opened from March 15, 2026, with the last date set as July 31, 2026. Submissions will be accepted only through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

The Padma Awards — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — rank among the country’s highest civilian honours. Instituted in 1954, the awards are presented annually to recognise “work of distinction” across a wide spectrum of fields, including art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil services, trade and industry.

The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, profession, position or gender. However, government employees, including those working in public sector undertakings, are not eligible, with the exception of doctors and scientists.

Reinforcing its push to make the honours more inclusive, the government has reiterated its vision of transforming the awards into a “People’s Padma”. Citizens are encouraged to submit nominations, including self-nominations, with a focus on recognising unsung achievers — particularly women, individuals from weaker sections, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and divyang persons — who have made selfless contributions to society.

Each nomination must be submitted in the prescribed format available on the portal, accompanied by detailed supporting information, including a citation of up to 800 words outlining the nominee’s exceptional achievements and service in their respective field.

Details in this regard are also available under the heading ‘Awards and Medals’ on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in ). The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the website with the link https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx .