Nominations for Padma Awards 2027 Open, Deadline Set for July 31

New Delhi, March 2026 : The Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday announced the opening of nominations and recommendations for the prestigious Padma Awards for the year 2027. These awards, among the highest civilian honours in India, will be announced on the occasion of Republic Day in 2027.

According to an official statement, the last date for submitting nominations or recommendations is July 31, 2026. All entries must be submitted online through the government’s Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, which has been designated as the sole platform for receiving nominations.

Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are presented annually in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These honours recognise individuals for exceptional and distinguished service in various fields, celebrating outstanding contributions that have made a significant impact on society and the nation.

The awards cover a wide range of disciplines, including art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, and trade and industry. The objective is to acknowledge individuals who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in their respective areas.

The government has emphasised that the awards are open to all citizens without discrimination based on race, occupation, gender or social status. However, certain categories of government employees, including those working in public sector undertakings, are generally not eligible for the awards. Exceptions are made for professionals such as doctors and scientists, whose contributions in their fields may qualify them for recognition.

In its statement, the ministry reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the Padma Awards into a “People’s Padma”, encouraging greater public participation in the nomination process. Citizens are invited to recommend deserving individuals from across the country, including through self-nominations.

The government has particularly urged the public to identify and nominate individuals who have made meaningful contributions but may not have received widespread recognition. These include women, members of socially and economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), divyang persons, and others who have devoted themselves to selfless service to society.

Nominations must include detailed information about the nominee, highlighting their distinguished achievements and exceptional service in their respective field. The prescribed format for submissions is available on the portal, and applicants are advised to provide comprehensive documentation supporting the candidate’s contributions.

Further details about the awards, including their statutes and rules, can also be accessed through the official website of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Padma Awards portal. Officials said these guidelines are intended to ensure transparency and encourage the nomination of truly deserving individuals from across the country.