The President of India presented Padma Awards for the year 2026 in Civil Investiture Ceremony-I at Rashtrapati Bhavan, while remaining awardees will be honoured in the second round of the ceremony later.
- This year total 131 awards will be given including 19 women, 6 persons from Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 16 posthumous awardees. There are 2 Duo cases (counted as one).
About Padma Awards
- Instituted: In 1954, they are one of the highest civilian Awards of country.
- Conferred by: President in three categories, namely:
- Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of high order.
- Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.
- Announced: Every year on the occasion of Republic Day except during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
- Activities/ Disciplines: All fields such as Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science, etc. involving public service.
- Eligibility: All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible. However, Government servants including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible.
- Normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, it is awarded.
- The total number of Awards which can be given in a year (excluding posthumous cases and Foreigners/NRIs/OCIs) is 120.
- Padma Awards Committee: (headed by the Cabinet Secretary), constituted annually by the Prime Minister select awardees.
- A higher category: Can be conferred only after at least five years than earlier Padma award.
List of Padma Vibhushan Awardees 2026
Name | Field |
Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous) | Art (Cinema) |
Shri K. T. Thomas | Public Affairs (Former Supreme Court Judge) |
Ms. N. Rajam | Art (Music): Violin maestro, known as ‘Singing Violin’. |
Shri P. Narayanan | Literature and Education |
Shri V. S. Achuthanandan (Posthumous) | Public Affairs (Former Kerala Chief Minister) |
