President Confers Padma Awards 2026

The Government of India announced 131 Padma Awards for 2026 on 25 January 2026, including 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards in two Civil Investiture Ceremonies at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 25 May 2026 and 23 June 2026.

Padma Awards: Classification

The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are presented in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day and are usually presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

First Civil Investiture Ceremony

The first ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 25 May 2026, and President Droupadi Murmu presented 66 awards. Dharmendra received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, and Hema Malini accepted the award on his behalf.

Second Civil Investiture Ceremony

The second ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 June 2026, and President Droupadi Murmu conferred the remaining 65 awards. Among the Padma Bhushan awardees were Mammootty, Alka Yagnik, Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, and Vijay Amritraj.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.
• The Padma Awards are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day.
• The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India after the Bharat Ratna.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the official residence of the President of India.

Notable Awardees

Former Supreme Court judge K. T. Thomas received the Padma Vibhushan for public affairs, and P. Narayanan received the Padma Vibhushan for literature and education. Cricketer Rohit Sharma, actor-filmmaker R. Madhavan, and hockey player Savita Punia were among the Padma Shri awardees on 23 June 2026.