The Government of India on January 25, 2026, announced the recipients of the Padma Awards 2026, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. As per the official Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) press note, a total of 131 individuals have been selected this year, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees.
The awards will be conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, traditionally organised in March or April.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day. These honours recognise distinguished and exceptional service across a wide spectrum of disciplines such as:
Art and culture
Literature and education
Medicine and science
Social work and public affairs
Trade, industry, sports, and spirituality
Categories Explained
Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service
Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order
Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field
Padma Awards 2026: Key Official Highlights
Breakup of Awards
🏅 Padma Vibhushan: 5
🏅 Padma Bhushan: 13
🏅 Padma Shri: 113
Total Awardees: 131
Notable Statistics
👩 19 awardees are women
🌍 6 recipients belong to Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI categories
🕊️ 16 awards are posthumous
👥 One duo award counted as a single honour
Padma Vibhushan Awardees 2026
Five eminent personalities have been selected for the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. These include distinguished contributors from art, literature, and public affairs, with two awards conferred posthumously.
Padma Bhushan Awardees 2026
The Padma Bhushan list includes 13 achievers from fields such as medicine, art, sports, public affairs, social work, and trade & industry. Several awardees have been recognised posthumously for their lifelong contributions.
Padma Shri Awards 2026: 113 Honoured for Grassroots Excellence
The largest category, Padma Shri, honours 113 individuals who have made remarkable contributions at the grassroots and national levels.
Wide Representation
Awardees hail from across India, including remote and tribal regions
States such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, Punjab, Telangana, Bihar, and Odisha feature prominently
Contributions span folk arts, classical traditions, sports, medicine, agriculture, archaeology, radio broadcasting, animal husbandry, and social service
Sports and Public Icons Recognised
Renowned sportspersons, cultural custodians, medical professionals, educators, and social reformers form a strong part of this year’s Padma Shri list.
Posthumous and Duo Recognitions
The government has honoured 16 individuals posthumously, acknowledging their enduring legacy and service to the nation. Additionally, one duo award has been granted and counted as a single Padma Shri, as per official norms.
The Padma Awards 2026 underline the government’s continued emphasis on “People’s Padma”, recognising unsung heroes who have quietly shaped society through commitment, innovation, and selfless service.
From traditional artists and rural innovators to global ambassadors of Indian culture, the list reflects a broad and inclusive vision of national excellence.
The Padma Awards 2026 celebrate not just achievement, but impact — honouring individuals whose work has uplifted communities, preserved heritage, and strengthened India’s social fabric. With 131 awardees across three categories, this year’s honours reinforce the spirit of service and dedication that defines the nation.
