President Droupadi Murmu will present the Padma Awards at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening. Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian awards of the country, are conferred in three categories – Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. In the first civil investiture ceremony of 2026 today, the President will confer 66 Padma Awards, including 2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan and 58 Padma Shri. The remaining Padma Awards will be given in the second round of the civil investiture ceremony to be held later.
This year, the Government has announced a total of 131 Padma Awards. These include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Among the awardees, 19 are women, while 16 individuals will be awarded posthumously. The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country.
Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The Award seeks to recognise work of distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements in various fields and disciplines, including Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs and Trade and Industry.
