Padma Awards 2026: President Murmu Honours 132 Achievers
President Droupadi Murmu recently presented the prestigious Padma Awards for 2026, recognizing 132 individuals for their exceptional contributions to various fields.
Source: GNews Padma AwardsPresident Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards for the year 2026 at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. A total of 132 individuals were honored across different categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The President presented 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan, and 110 Padma Shri awards. These awards acknowledge distinguished service in fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service. The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, announced annually on Republic Day. The recipients include prominent personalities and unsung heroes who have made significant impacts on society. The ceremony highlighted the nation's appreciation for their dedication and achievements.
For competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking, the Padma Awards are a crucial topic under General Awareness and Current Affairs. Aspirants should know the different categories of awards, the total number of recipients, and especially the names of Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardees, as well as notable Padma Shri recipients. Questions often focus on identifying awardees in specific fields or the hierarchy of these civilian honors, linking to Indian polity and national recognition.
- President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Awards for 2026.
- A total of 132 individuals received Padma Awards in 2026.
- The awards included 5 Padma Vibhushan recipients.
- There were 17 Padma Bhushan awardees in 2026.
- 110 individuals were honored with the Padma Shri award.
- The Padma Awards are announced annually on Republic Day.
The second-highest civilian award of India, after the Bharat Ratna. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including service rendered by government servants. It was instituted on January 2, 1954.
The third-highest civilian award in India, ranking below the Padma Vibhushan and above the Padma Shri. It is awarded for distinguished service of a high order in any field. This award was also instituted on January 2, 1954.
The fourth-highest civilian award in India, awarded for distinguished service in any field. It is given to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity. It was instituted on January 2, 1954.
The official residence of the President of India, located in New Delhi. It is a vast mansion with 340 rooms, built on an estate of 330 acres. It was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1929.
UPSC and SSC often ask about the hierarchy of civilian awards, the total number of awardees in each category, and specific names of Padma Vibhushan/Bhushan recipients, especially if they are prominent figures or from diverse fields. Focus on the 'who' and 'how many'.
Remember the order of Padma Awards as 'V-B-S' (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri) like 'Very Big Success' to recall their decreasing prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three categories of Padma Awards in India?
The three categories of Padma Awards are Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards are given for distinguished service in various fields, with Padma Vibhushan being the highest among them, followed by Padma Bhushan and then Padma Shri.
When are the Padma Awards announced each year?
The Padma Awards are announced annually on the occasion of Republic Day, which falls on January 26th. The formal presentation ceremony by the President of India usually takes place in March or April at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Who is eligible to receive the Padma Awards?
Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for these awards. However, government servants, including those working in PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the Padma Awards.