The Union Government on the occasion of Republic Day announced the Padma Awards 2026, approving a total of 131 civilian honours across the three prestigious categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. These awards, among India’s highest civilian recognitions, honour individuals for exceptional service and contributions across diverse fields such as arts, cinema, literature, sports, medicine, science and engineering, social work, civil service, public affairs, and trade and industry. The Padma Awards are conferred annually by the President of India and celebrate both nationally acclaimed personalities and grassroots contributors whose work has significantly impacted society.
In 2026, the Padma Awards list reflects a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. The honours include 19 women awardees, six foreign nationals or persons of Indian origin living abroad, and 16 posthumous recognitions. A total of five Padma Vibhushan awards, 13 Padma Bhushan awards and 113 Padma Shri awards have been approved this year. The highest honour, Padma Vibhushan, which recognises exceptional and distinguished service, has been awarded posthumously to legendary actor Dharmendra Singh Deol for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and culture. Other recipients in this category include classical violinist N Rajam, former Supreme Court judge K T Thomas, noted writer P Narayanan, and former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, who was also honoured posthumously.
The Padma Bhushan category, awarded for distinguished service of a high order, includes some of the most respected names from Indian public life and creative fields. Singer Alka Yagnik, actor Mammootty, industrialist Uday Kotak, tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, social leader Vellappally Natesan and advertising icon Piyush Pandey, honoured posthumously, feature prominently in this list. The Padma Shri awards, which recognise distinguished service, include Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, women’s hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia and women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, along with artists, scientists, social workers, entrepreneurs and community leaders from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated all awardees, stating that their dedication and excellence enrich the nation and inspire future generations. The awards will be formally presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan during ceremonial functions held in March or April.
Padma Vibhushan
• Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous)
• K T Thomas
• N Rajam
• P Narayanan
• V S Achuthanandan (posthumous)
Padma Bhushan
• Alka Yagnik
• Bhagat Singh Koshyari
• Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy
• Mammootty
• Nori Dattatreyudu
• Piyush Pandey (posthumous)
• S K M Maeilanandhan
• Shatavadhani R Ganesh
• Shibu Soren (posthumous)
• Uday Kotak
• V K Malhotra (posthumous)
• Vellappally Natesan
• Vijay Amritraj
Padma Shri
• Rohit Sharma
• Savita Punia
• Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar
• Prosenjit Chatterjee
• Tarun Bhattacharya
• Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar
• Shashi Shekhar Vempati
• Satyanarayan Nuwal
• Sivasankari
• R V S Mani
• Ramchandra Godbole
• Suneeta Godbole
• Deepika Reddy
• Mangala Kapoor
• Tripti Mukherjee
• Taga Ram Bheel
• Techi Gubin
• Veezhinathan Kamakoti
• Yumnam Jatra Singh (posthumous)
The Padma Awards 2026 once again underline India’s tradition of recognising excellence across generations and geographies, celebrating individuals who have strengthened the social, cultural, scientific and sporting fabric of the nation through dedication, innovation and service.
