Presidential Approval
Padma Awards 2026 Approvals: The President of India approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards on 27 January 2026. This list reflects one of the largest civilian honour announcements in recent years, showing wide sectoral representation.
The awards include 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. There are 19 women awardees, 6 Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI awardees, and 16 posthumous awards.
Two recognitions were given as Duo cases, which are officially counted as one award. This structure maintains the annual cap while allowing joint recognition for collaborative contributions.
Structure of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours of India. They are conferred in three hierarchical categories based on the level of service.
Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service. Padma Bhushan is for distinguished service of a high order. Padma Shri recognises distinguished service in any field.
The only civilian award higher than Padma Awards is the Bharat Ratna.
Static GK fact: Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour of India.
Historical Evolution
The awards were instituted in 1954 initially as a single class called Padma Vibhushan. In 1955, they were reorganised into three separate categories.
The awards have been conferred annually, with exceptions during 1978, 1979, and 1993–1997. These interruptions were due to policy and administrative decisions of the government.
Static GK fact: The Padma Awards system is one of the oldest civilian honour frameworks in independent India.
Fields and Eligibility
The awards cover all fields of public service, including art, literature, science, social work, medicine, sports, public affairs, and education. Both individual and collective contributions are recognised.
Government servants are not eligible, including PSU employees. However, doctors and scientists working in government institutions are exceptions.
Static GK Tip: Padma Awards focus on public service impact, not official designation.
Constitutional Status
Padma Awards do not constitute titles under the Constitution. They cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names.
This was clarified in the Balaji Raghavan vs Union of India (1996) case. The judgment linked the award structure to Article 18(1) of the Constitution.
Static GK fact: Article 18(1) prohibits the State from conferring titles except military and academic distinctions.
Numerical Cap and Posthumous Policy
The number of awards is capped at 120 per year. This cap excludes posthumous and foreign recipients.
Normally, posthumous awards are not given. They are allowed only in highly deserving exceptional cases.
Selection and Conferment Process
All nominations are placed before the Padma Awards Committee. The committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and is constituted annually.
The recommendations are submitted to the Prime Minister and then to the President for approval. Awards are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day.
The formal conferment takes place at Rashtrapati Bhavan during March or April. Awardees receive a Sanad (certificate) and a Medallion.
A higher category Padma award can be given only after five years from the earlier award. This ensures progressive recognition based on sustained national contribution.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Padma Awards 2026 Approvals:
| Topic | Detail |
| Total awards approved | 131 |
| Padma Vibhushan | 5 |
| Padma Bhushan | 13 |
| Padma Shri | 113 |
| Women awardees | 19 |
| Foreign/NRI/OCI awardees | 6 |
| Posthumous awards | 16 |
| Duo recognitions | 2 cases |
| Announcement timing | Eve of Republic Day |
| Selection authority | Padma Awards Committee |
| Committee head | Cabinet Secretary |
| Final approval | Prime Minister and President |
| Conferment venue | Rashtrapati Bhavan |
| Constitutional status | Not a title under Article 18(1) |
| Annual cap | 120 (excluding posthumous/foreigners) |
| Higher award gap rule | Minimum 5 years |
