Why is it in the news?
→ President approved Padma Awards list on eve of Republic Day 2026.
→ Details released on categories, selection process and constitutional position.
Category
Polity
Important Points
- Total 131 awards: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri.
- Instituted in 1954; Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri in descending order.
- Recognise distinguished service across arts, public affairs, science, sports, social work and more.
- Eligible: Indians, foreigners, NRIs, PIOs and OCIs.
- Since 2014, focus on “unsung heroes” as People’s Padma.
- Selection by Padma Awards Committee chaired by Cabinet Secretary.
- The committee includes Home Secretary, Secretary to President and 4–6 eminent persons; appointed annually by the PM.
- Awards announced on eve of Republic Day; conferred March/April with Sanad and medallion.
- Not considered titles under Article 18(1); SC in Balaji Raghavan (1996) upheld validity.
- Generally not posthumous; higher category only after a 5 years gap.
- Capped at 120 per year excluding posthumous/foreign categories.
- Padma Awards not given in 1978, 1979 and 1993–97.