Padma Awards 2027 Nominations Open: Govt Invites Citizens to Recommend Unsung Heroes for India’s Highest Civilian Honours

Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards—comprising Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among India’s highest civilian honours.

The Government of India has officially opened nominations for the prestigious Padma Awards 2027, inviting citizens across the country to participate in recognizing exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society. The nomination process began on March 15, 2026, and will remain open until July 31, 2026.

In line with the government's vision of transforming the awards into "People's Padma", nominations and recommendations are being accepted exclusively through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in), ensuring a transparent, accessible, and citizen-driven selection process.

Recognising Excellence Across Diverse Fields

Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards—comprising Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—are among India's highest civilian honours. Announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day, the awards celebrate "work of distinction" and recognise exceptional achievements across a wide spectrum of disciplines.

These include:

• 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 without discrimination based on race, occupation, gender, or position. However, government servants, including those employed in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are generally not eligible—except for doctors and scientists.

Focus on Grassroots Changemakers and Unsung Heroes

A key highlight of the Padma Awards initiative in recent years has been the emphasis on identifying and honouring unsung heroes—individuals who have made remarkable contributions at the grassroots level, often without recognition.

The government has urged citizens to actively nominate deserving candidates, particularly from:

• Women and marginalized communities

• Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)

• Divyang (persons with disabilities)

• Individuals engaged in selfless social service

Self-nominations are also encouraged, further democratizing the process and widening participation.

Simple, Transparent Online Nomination Process

All nominations must be submitted online via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. Each nomination should include comprehensive details as per the prescribed format, along with a citation (up to 800 words) that clearly highlights the nominee's distinguished achievements and impact in their respective field.

The move to a fully digital submission process ensures efficiency, transparency, and ease of access for citizens across the country.

Access to Guidelines and Rules

Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, nomination guidelines, and award statutes is available on:

• Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://mha.gov.in

• Padma Awards Portal: https://padmaawards.gov.in

• Official rules and statutes: https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx

Towards a More Inclusive National Recognition System

The Padma Awards have evolved significantly over the years, with recent editions witnessing a growing number of awardees from rural areas, tribal communities, and non-traditional fields. This shift reflects the government's commitment to making national honours more inclusive and representative of India's diverse talent pool.

With nominations now open for 2027, citizens have a unique opportunity to bring forward stories of excellence, courage, and service that deserve national recognition.

As India moves towards its vision of Viksit Bharat, the Padma Awards continue to serve as a powerful platform to celebrate individuals who are shaping the nation through dedication, innovation, and selfless contribution.