Padma Awards 2026 Announced: 131 Winners Including Dharmendra, Rohit Sharma
The Government of India has announced the recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards for the year 2026, honouring 131 individuals for their exceptional contributions.
Source: GNews Padma AwardsThe President of India has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards for the year 2026. These awards are one of the highest civilian honours in India. The list includes 6 Padma Vibhushan, 15 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awardees. Among the notable personalities honoured are veteran actor Dharmendra and cricketer Rohit Sharma, who received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri respectively. The Padma Awards recognize individuals from various fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. The President presents these awards at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually in March or April each year. This year's list reflects a diverse range of achievements across the nation.
The Padma Awards are crucial for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking as they frequently feature in General Awareness sections. Aspirants should know the different categories (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri), the total number of awards, and prominent awardees, especially those from sports, arts, and public service. This topic links to Indian Polity and Culture syllabus, highlighting national recognition for excellence.
- A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced for the year 2026.
- The awards include 6 Padma Vibhushan, 15 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri.
- Veteran actor Dharmendra was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2026.
- Cricketer Rohit Sharma received the Padma Shri award in 2026.
- The Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
- The President of India confers these awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The second-highest civilian award of India, given for exceptional and distinguished service. It is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in any field of human endeavour. The award was instituted on January 2, 1954.
The third-highest civilian award in India, awarded for distinguished service of a high order. It recognizes contributions in various fields including arts, science, public service, and medicine. It was also instituted on January 2, 1954.
The fourth-highest civilian award in India, given for distinguished service in any field. It is awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity. It was established on January 2, 1954.
Celebrated on January 26 each year, it commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. It is one of three national holidays in India. The Padma Awards are announced on the eve of this day.
UPSC and SSC exams often ask about the hierarchy of civilian awards, the total number of awards given in a specific year, and the names of notable awardees, especially those in news or from specific fields like sports and arts. Focus on the top categories and their recipients.
Remember 'V-B-S' for the order: Vibhushan (highest), Bhushan, Shri (lowest). V for Very important, B for Big, S for Small.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three categories of Padma Awards given in India?
The three categories of Padma Awards are Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These are India's highest civilian honours after the Bharat Ratna, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields.
When are the Padma Awards announced and presented each year?
The Padma Awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, January 26. The President of India then presents these awards at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically in March or April.
Who were some of the prominent personalities awarded Padma Awards in 2026?
In 2026, prominent personalities like veteran actor Dharmendra received the Padma Bhushan, and cricketer Rohit Sharma was awarded the Padma Shri. The list includes 131 awardees across various fields.