Introduction

On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the President of India has formally approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards for the year 2026. Recognized as one of the highest civilian honors in the country, these awards celebrate exceptional achievements across diverse fields including Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, and Sports. The 2026 list is a blend of veteran legacies and contemporary icons, acknowledging the contributions of 19 women and 16 posthumous awardees who have left an indelible mark on the nation.

Key Statistics: 2026 List
Total Awards

131

Padma Vibhushan

05

Padma Bhushan

13

Padma Shri

113

Women Awardees

19

Major Highlights: The Icons

Cinema & Arts Legends

The list pays a tearful yet proud tribute to the legendary actor Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol, who has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously. Joining the ranks in the Padma Bhushan category are playback singer Ms. Alka Yagnik and Malayalam superstar Shri Mammootty. The Padma Shri list also features Bengali cinema icon Prosenjit Chatterjee.

Political & Public Affairs

Veteran political figures have been honored for their service. The Padma Vibhushan has been conferred posthumously upon the former Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V S Achuthanandhan. Additionally, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari and Shri Shibu Soren (Posthumous) have been named for the Padma Bhushan.

Sports Sensations

Indian cricket captain Shri Rohit Sharma leads the sports category with a Padma Shri, following a stellar year in cricket. He is joined by Women's Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Hockey goalkeeper Savita Punia. Tennis legend Vijay Amritraj has been honored with the Padma Bhushan.

Business & Medicine

Industry Titans

Banking veteran Shri Uday Kotak has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his immense contribution to Trade and Industry. Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal is recognized with a Padma Shri for his work in the industrial sector.

Healthcare Heroes

Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu from the USA and Dr. Armida Fernandez from Maharashtra are among the distinguished medical professionals recognized for their service to humanity.

Source Information

For the complete detailed list of all 131 awardees, please refer to the official Ministry of Home Affairs notification:

Official MHA Press Note (PDF)

A Nation’s Tribute: President Approves 131 Padma Awards for Republic Day 2026 - Image 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When are these awards presented?
While announced on Republic Day, the awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March or April.
Q. Who received the Padma Vibhushan this year?
Five individuals: Shri Dharmendra Singh Deol (Posthumous), Shri K T Thomas, Ms. N Rajam, Shri P Narayanan, and Shri V S Achuthanandhan (Posthumous).
Q. How many posthumous awards were announced?
There are 16 posthumous awardees in the 2026 list, including notable figures like Piyush Pandey and Satish Shah.
Q. What is a "Duo Case"?
In a duo case, the award is conferred upon two people (often working together) but is counted as one entry. This year includes 2 such cases.