Padma Awards 2026 announced: 131 honoured on Republic Day eve

What was announced

India’s Padma Awards for 2026 were announced on January 25, 2026, on the eve of Republic Day. The President approved 131 Padma awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. The annual honours recognise exceptional service in fields ranging from arts and literature to public affairs, medicine, education, sports and social work.

Key themes in this year’s list

Alongside prominent names, the government messaging around the 2026 list highlights wider recognition for ‘unsung’ contributors working at the grassroots. Multiple awards are posthumous, and the list includes women awardees as well as honourees connected to public service and community impact in remote or underserved areas.

How the awards are presented

The Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. After the announcement, the investiture ceremonies are typically held later at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President formally presents the awards at ceremonial functions.

Why it matters

The Padma Awards remain among India’s most visible civilian honours and are often read as a snapshot of national recognition priorities for the year. The 2026 list, in particular, has been framed around celebrating impact beyond celebrity and spotlighting sustained public contribution, including community service, education, healthcare and cultural preservation.

What to watch next

• Release of detailed category-wise names and citations for each awardee by the government
• Timelines and scheduling of the Rashtrapati Bhavan investiture ceremonies
• State-wise and sector-wise reactions as recipients and institutions respond to the honours