Padma Awards 2027 Nominations Open: Apply by July 31 on Rashtriya Puraskar Portal
The Government of India has opened nominations for the Padma Awards 2027, inviting citizens to recommend deserving individuals for one of the country’s highest civilian honours.
According to an announcement released by the Press Information Bureau, nominations and recommendations for the awards began on March 15, 2026, and will remain open until July 31, 2026.
All nominations must be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
What Are the Padma Awards?
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honours. The awards are announced every year on Republic Day.
The three categories of Padma Awards include:
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Padma Vibhushan – for exceptional and distinguished service
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Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of high order
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Padma Shri – for distinguished service in any field
These awards recognize excellence across a wide range of disciplines including:
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Art
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Literature and education
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Sports
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Medicine
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Social work
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Science and engineering
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Public affairs
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Civil services
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Trade and industry
Who Can Be Nominated?
The awards are open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, gender, or position.
However, government servants are generally not eligible, except for doctors and scientists working in government institutions.
The government has encouraged citizens to actively nominate deserving individuals, including through self-nominations.
Government Push for “People’s Padma”
The government aims to transform the Padma Awards into a “People’s Padma”, encouraging public participation in identifying unsung heroes who have made exceptional contributions to society.
Special focus has been placed on recognizing individuals from:
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Women achievers
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Weaker sections of society
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SC and ST communities
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Persons with disabilities (Divyang)
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Individuals engaged in selfless social service
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations must be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, where applicants must provide:
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Personal details of the nominee
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Field of contribution
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Detailed description of achievements and service
Supporting information explaining the nominee’s exceptional contributions and impact in their field must also be included in the prescribed format.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, statutes and nomination rules are available on the websites of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Padma Awards portal.