Padma Awards 2026 Announced: Full List of Honourees
The Government of India has announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 131 individuals have been selected across three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — in recognition of their outstanding contributions in diverse fields such as arts, sports, literature, public affairs, science, social work, medicine, civil service and industry.
Padma Vibhushan 2026
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India. This year’s recipients include:
- Dharmendra Singh Deol (posthumous) – Legendary Bollywood actor
- K T Thomas – Former Supreme Court judge
- N Rajam – Classical violinist
- P Narayanan – Renowned writer
- V S Achuthanandhan (posthumous) – Veteran public figure
These individuals have been honoured for exceptional and distinguished service in their fields.
Padma Bhushan 2026
The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award. Among this year’s awardees are:
- Alka Yagnik – Playback singer
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari – Public affairs
- Kallipatti Ramasamy Palaniswamy – Medicine
- Mammootty – Film actor
- Nori Dattatreyudu – Medicine
- Piyush Pandey (posthumous) – Art and advertising
- S K M Maeilanandhan – Social work
- Shatavadhani R Ganesh – Literary arts
- Shibu Soren (posthumous) – Public affairs
- Uday Kotak – Industry and banking
- V K Malhotra (posthumous) – Public affairs
- Vellappally Natesan – Public service
- Vijay Amritraj – Sports legend
These awardees represent excellence across a mix of cultural, social and professional domains.
Padma Shri 2026
The Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, has been conferred on 113 individuals this year. The list includes distinguished professionals, grassroots contributors and emerging achievers from across the country. Some notable recipients are:
- Rohit Sharma – Cricket captain and sportsperson
- Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar – Women’s cricket icon
- Savita Punia – Hockey goalkeeper
- Praveen Kumar – Para-athletics high jumper
- Baldev Singh – Coach and sportsperson
- Bhagwandas Raikwar – Volunteer and sports contributor
- K Pajanivel – Sportsperson
- Anke Gowda – Founder of India’s largest free public library and literacy champion
The Padma Shri honours dedicated service across a broad range of areas, including arts, science, medicine, education, sports, literature, civil services and social work.
Highlights of the 2026 List
- Dharmendra was recognised posthumously with the Padma Vibhushan for his monumental contribution to Indian cinema.
- Vijay Amritraj, the celebrated tennis player, received the Padma Bhushan for his role in popularising Indian tennis on the global stage.
- Cricket stars Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur, along with hockey great Savita Punia, were among the prominent sportspersons honoured with the Padma Shri.
- The list features achievers from both mainstream public life and unsung grassroots heroes whose work has had significant community impact.
Significance of the Awards
The Padma Awards are announced each year to coincide with India’s Republic Day celebrations. They are conferred by the President of India in ceremonies held later in the year, typically at Rashtrapati Bhavan. These honours acknowledge individuals who have rendered distinguished service of high order and have contributed significantly to the nation and society.
This year’s list reflects a wide cross-section of talent, highlighting contributions in arts, public affairs, industry, sports, medicine, science, literature, education and social service. It also includes artists, scholars, innovators and community leaders who have inspired others through their work.