Padma Awards

The scheme aims to recognize distinguished and exceptional achievements across various fields of public service and national importance.

Central In Kind

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Home Affairs

Nodal department: Ministry of Home Affairs

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Skills & Employment, Sports & Culture

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Award, Public Service, Art, Social Work, Civil Service

Details

The “Padma Awards” has been launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Under this scheme, civilian honours in the form of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are provided to individuals for their outstanding contributions. The awards emphasize excellence combined with public service across disciplines such as art, science, literature, sports, medicine, and social work.

Benefits

Tangible Benefits
Conferment of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri
Sanad (Certificate) signed by the President of India
Medallion along with a miniature replica for ceremonial use
National recognition and prestige
Publication of awardee’s name in the Gazette of India. Mode of Disbursement
Physical conferment of certificate and medallion at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Announced annually on 26th January (Republic Day)
Presentation ceremony is usually held in March or April

Tangible Benefits

Conferment of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Shri.
Sanad (Certificate) signed by the President of India.
Medallion along with a miniature replica for ceremonial use.
National recognition and prestige.
Publication of awardee’s name in the Gazette of India.

Mode of Disbursement

Physical conferment of certificate and medallion at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Announced annually on 26th January (Republic Day).
Presentation ceremony is usually held in March or April.

Eligibility

The applicant can be any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender.
The applicant should have rendered distinguished or exceptional service in any field.
The applicant should demonstrate “excellence plus,” meaning excellence combined with public service.
The applicant may belong to fields such as Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports, or others.
The applicant should not be a serving Government employee; however, doctors and scientists are exempted.
The applicant may be considered posthumously only in rare and highly deserving cases within 1 year of demise.
The applicant should have a minimum gap of 5 years for receiving a higher category award.
The applicant should not misuse the award as a title.

Exclusions

Application Process

Online

Nominations are invited between 15th March and 31st July each year.

Step 01: The applicant visits the official Padma Awards Portal.
Step 02: Register/Login using official credentials of the recommending authority
Step 03: Fill in the nomination form with complete details
Step 04: Upload required documents, including citation and verification certificate
Step 05: Ensure accurate entry of nominee details (including Hindi name) and submit the application online before the deadline.

Post-Application Process

Step 01: The Committee evaluates candidates based on merit, impact, and public service contribution.
Step 02: Recommendations are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
Step 03: Final approval is granted by the President of India.
Step 04: Awards are announced on Republic Day and presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

When were the Padma Awards instituted?: The Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954 by the Government of India.
How many categories are there in Padma Awards?: There are 3 categories in Padma Awards, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
Who can receive Padma Awards?: Any individual, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, who has made exceptional contributions in any field can receive the Padma Awards.
Are government employees eligible for Padma Awards?: Serving government employees are generally not eligible, except for doctors and scientists who can be considered.
Can a person nominate themselves for Padma Awards?: Yes, any individual can nominate themselves for the Padma Awards through the prescribed process.
Is there any cash reward in Padma Awards?: No, there is no monetary reward or cash benefit associated with the Padma Awards.
When are the Padma Awards announced?: The Padma Awards are announced every year on 26th January, on the occasion of Republic Day.
When is the Padma Awards ceremony held?: The Padma Awards ceremony is usually held in the months of March or April at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Can Padma Awards be given posthumously?: Yes, Padma Awards can be conferred posthumously, but only in rare and highly deserving cases.
What is the maximum number of Padma Awards given per year?: A maximum of 120 Padma Awards are given each year, excluding posthumous awards and awards to foreigners.
Who selects the Padma Awards recipients?: The Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, selects the awardees.
Can a Padma Award be withdrawn after being given?: Yes, the President of India has the authority to cancel or annul a Padma Award if required.
Can the Padma Award be used as a title with a name?: No, the Padma Award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the awardee’s name in any manner.
Where are the names of Padma Awardees published?: The names of Padma Awardees are officially published in the Gazette of India.

Official links

References

Apply

Apply now

Award Public Service Art Social Work Civil Service

Opens the official application or programme portal in a new tab. If in doubt, confirm details on the ministry site.

Documents Required for Government Schemes

Most government schemes require basic documents for verification. While the exact requirements vary, common documents include:

Aadhaar Card
Income Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Residence Proof
Bank Account Details
Educational Certificates (for student schemes)

How to Apply for Government Schemes?

The application process for government schemes may be online or offline depending on the scheme. In most cases, you can follow these steps:

Check eligibility criteria
Collect required documents
Fill the application form
Submit the application online or at the relevant office
Track application status