THE PADMA AWARDS 2026

NEWS: The Padma Awards 2026 were announced on the eve of Republic Day, with the President approving 131 awards across Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri categories.

About

• Established in: 1954 by the Government of India.
• One of India’s highest civilian honours, conferred to recognise distinguished and exceptional service involving an element of public service across diverse fields
• Awards are announced annually on Republic Day, with brief interruptions during 1978–79 and 1993–97.
• Conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Total annual awards capped at 120, excluding posthumous and foreign/NRI/OCI awardees.

Categories

• Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service
• Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of a high order
• Padma Shri: Distinguished service in any field