New Delhi: The Union government on the eve of Republic Day announced the Padma Awards 2026, honouring 131 individuals for distinguished and exceptional service across public affairs, arts, sports, medicine, science, education and social work. The awards, approved by the President of India, will be conferred at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan later this year.
The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours and are conferred annually in three categories, following a clear national order of precedence.
Ranking of India’s Civilian Awards
After the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Awards are ranked as follows:
Padma Vibhushan – For exceptional and distinguished service
Padma Bhushan – For distinguished service of a high order
Padma Shri – For distinguished service in any field
Of the 131 awardees announced in 2026, 5 were named for Padma Vibhushan, 13 for Padma Bhushan, and 113 for Padma Shri.
Padma Vibhushan Awardees 2026
The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, was conferred on five individuals whose contributions have had a lasting national impact.
Veteran actor Dharmendra was honoured posthumously for his decades-long contribution to Indian cinema. Former Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan, also honoured posthumously, was recognised for his lifelong public service.
Renowned Hindustani classical violinist N. Rajam was honoured for her contribution to Indian classical music, while former Supreme Court judge K. T. Thomas was recognised for his service to the judiciary and constitutional thought.
A veteran journalist and writer, P. Narayanan served as the co-founder and former editor-in-chief of the Malayalam daily Janmabhumi, a prominent news publication in Kerala. He has been associated with public thought and discourse for decades, authoring numerous books and translating scores of works into Malayalam, thereby enriching regional literature and intellectual life.
Padma Bhushan Awardees 2026
The Padma Bhushan was conferred on 13 awardees for distinguished service of a high order.
Among them were acclaimed actor Mammootty, recognised for his contribution to Indian cinema, and veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik, honoured for her decades-long influence on popular music.
Veteran tribal leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren received the honour for his central role in the Jharkhand statehood movement and sustained advocacy for tribal rights and social justice.
Former tennis player and sports administrator Vijay Amritraj was recognised for his contribution to Indian sport and international representation. The category also included scholars, doctors and public figures from diverse fields.
Padma Shri Awardees 2026
The Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, was awarded to 113 individuals, making it the largest category.
Indian men’s cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was honoured for his sporting achievements and leadership, while women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur received the award for her contribution to women’s cricket.
The Padma Shri list also featured social workers, folk artists, educators, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators from across the country, many recognised for decades of service at the community level.
Broad Representation
The 131 Padma awardees of 2026 include women achievers, senior citizens, young innovators, non-resident Indians and several posthumous recipients. The list reflects a wide geographic spread and an emphasis on recognising service beyond metropolitan centres.
The Padma Awards continue to serve as a national recognition of excellence, public service and sustained contribution to society.
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