President Droupadi Murmu to Confer Padma Awards on 23 June 2026

Key Facts

• The Padma Awards ceremony will be held on 23 June 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• 65 awardees will be honored at this second Civil Investiture Ceremony for 2026.
• For the year 2026, a total of 131 Padma Awards have been approved: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
• Notable 2026 awardees include Mammootty (Padma Bhushan), R. Madhavan (Padma Shri), and posthumous honor to Satish Shah with Padma Shri.
• Padma Awards are announced annually on 26 January (Republic Day) and presented later at ceremonial functions.
• Nominations for Padma Awards 2027 are open until 31 July 2026 via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

Background & Context

The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, are among the highest civilian honors in India, recognizing distinguished contribution and exceptional service across diverse disciplines such as art, literature, education, medicine, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, civil service, and sports. The three categories are Padma Vibhushan (second-highest civilian award), Padma Bhushan (third-highest), and Padma Shri (fourth-highest).

The awards are usually conferred by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan in ceremonial functions held annually, typically around March or April, but for 2026, the second ceremony is scheduled for 23 June.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

Knowledge of the Padma Awards' significance, categories, contemporary awardees, and procedural timelines is frequently tested in competitive exams such as UPSC, state PCS, and other government exams. Awareness of prominent awardees, dates of announcement and conferment, and nomination procedures is essential for current affairs and general knowledge sections.

Points to Remember

• The Padma Awards are announced every year on 26 January, Republic Day.
• The 2026 awards include a total of 131 recipients: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.
• President Droupadi Murmu will conduct the second ceremony for 2026 on 23 June 2026.
• Notable recipients in 2026: Mammootty (Padma Bhushan), R. Madhavan (Padma Shri), posthumous award to Satish Shah (Padma Shri).
• Nominations for 2027 Padma Awards are open online and close on 31 July 2026.
• The awards cover a wide range of fields and recognize distinguished and exceptional service in India and abroad.