The nominations and recommendations for the Padma awards 2026, which will be given to distinguished people for their exceptional achievements and service, began on Saturday. The last date for nominations and recommendations for next year's Padma awards to be announced on the eve of Republic Day 2026 is July 31, 2025, according to an official statement. The nominations and recommendations for Padma awards will only be received online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in). 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 eve of the Republic Day every year. The awards seeks to recognise 'work of distinction' and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements and service in all fields and disciplines such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service