Why in the News?

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

What are the Padma Awards?

• Among India’s highest civilian honours
• Conferred for distinguished and exceptional service with a clear element of public service
• Instituted in 1954 by the Government of India

Historical Background

• Initially, two civilian awards were instituted in 1954
  • Bharat Ratna
  • Padma Vibhushan
• In 1955, Padma Vibhushan was reclassified into three categories
  • Padma Vibhushan
  • Padma Bhushan
  • Padma Shri
• Awards are announced annually on Republic Day
• Not conferred during 1978 to 1979 and 1993 to 1997

Categories and Purpose

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

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all persons, irrespective of race, gender, occupation, or position
• Government servants, including PSU employees, are generally not eligible
  • Exception for doctors and scientists
• Normally not awarded posthumously
  • Permitted in exceptional cases
• Minimum gap of 5 years required for a higher Padma category
  • Can be relaxed in deserving cases
• Award recognises excellence plus, not merely long service

Fields Recognised

• Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science and Engineering, Trade and Industry, Medicine, including AYUSH, Literature and Education, Civil Service, Sports and Others, such as culture, environment, wildlife conservation, and human rights

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