The Government of India announced the Padma Awards 2026 on 25 January 2026, the eve of Republic Day. In all, 131 people will receive the honours this year. Notably, the list has 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards. The Ministry of Home Affairs released the full list. So, these awards honour work in art, public affairs, sports, medicine and more.
Padma Vibhushan Awardees 2026
Five people received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award. Veteran actor Dharmendra received it posthumously in Art. Also, former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd) KT Thomas received it in Public Affairs. Further, violinist N Rajam of Uttar Pradesh received it in Art. P Narayanan of Kerala won it in Literature and Education. Finally, former Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan received it posthumously.
Notable Padma Bhushan Names
The 13 Padma Bhushan awardees include actor Mammootty and singer Alka Yagnik. Moreover, former Uttarakhand CM Bhagat Singh Koshyari received it in Public Affairs. Banker Uday Kotak and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj also feature. In addition, Shibu Soren and adman Piyush Pandey received it posthumously.
Cricket Stars Get Padma Shri
Cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar will receive the Padma Shri in Sports. Rohit Sharma represents Maharashtra in the list. Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur represents Punjab. Overall, the list includes 19 women and 16 posthumous awardees. It also honours six foreigners, NRIs, PIOs or OCIs.
About the Padma Awards
The government instituted the Padma Awards in 1954. Since then, it has announced them every year on the eve of Republic Day. The Padma Awards Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, recommends the names. Then, the President presents the awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually in March or April.
Padma Awards 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Announced: 25 January 2026
- Total awardees: 131
- Breakdown: 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri
- Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra, KT Thomas, N Rajam, P Narayanan, VS Achuthanandan
- Women: 19; posthumous: 16; foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI: 6
- Sports Padma Shri: Rohit Sharma, Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar
Why Padma Awards 2026 Matter for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, prelims often ask about award categories and notable recipients. So, remember the five Padma Vibhushan names, the total of 131 and the 1954 start. Also, link the awards with Uttarakhand’s own honour for Bhagat Singh Koshyari. For official updates, also visit the Padma Awards portal. Next, read about Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Anant Nag.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.