UGC Urges Higher Education Institutions to Nominate Candidates for Padma Awards 2026

Last date for online nominations via Rashtriya Puraskar Portal is July 31, 2025

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a circular to all higher education institutions across the country, inviting nominations and recommendations for the prestigious Padma Awards 2026. These include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri—among the highest civilian honours in India, conferred annually on Republic Day.

The awards are aimed at recognising ‘work of distinction’ across a wide range of fields including art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, and trade and industry. All citizens, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, are eligible for these honours.

According to the UGC letter, nominations will be accepted only through the online Rashtriya Puraskar portal (https://awards.gov.in) between March 15 and July 31, 2025. Submissions must include a detailed citation (up to 800 words) highlighting the nominee’s exceptional achievements or service. Institutions have been advised to ensure complete and accurate information during the submission process.

The UGC has also emphasised the importance of identifying unsung heroes—talented individuals who may not seek publicity but have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Institutions are encouraged to make concerted efforts to recommend such deserving candidates, particularly from underrepresented groups including women, SCs, STs, persons with disabilities, and individuals from weaker sections of society.

Additionally, recommendations should prioritise candidates with a track record of lifelong achievement and public service. The circular advises against nominating serving government servants (except doctors and scientists), and outlines that posthumous awards are rare and only considered under exceptional circumstances, typically within one year of the nominee’s death.

Institutions have been requested to set up internal committees to screen and recommend the most deserving candidates for the awards.

For more details and to submit nominations, institutions can visit https://awards.gov.in. Rules and guidelines for the Padma Awards are also available on https://padmaawards.gov.in.

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