All individuals, regardless of race, occupation, position, or sex, are eligible. However, government employees, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible.

The awards honor achievements in the following fields:

• Art: Music, painting, sculpture, cinema, theatre, photography, etc.
• Social Work: Charitable service, community projects, social service.
• Public Affairs: Law, public life, politics, etc.
• Science & Engineering: Space, nuclear science, IT, R&D, etc.
• Trade & Industry: Banking, economic activities, tourism, business, etc.
• Medicine: Research, specializations in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Allopathy, etc.
• Literature & Education: Journalism, teaching, literature, educational reforms, etc.
• Civil Service: Excellence in administration.
• Sports: Athletics, popular sports, Yoga, adventure sports, etc.
• Other Fields: Culture, human rights, wildlife conservation, etc.

Note: Padma awards are not typically conferred posthumously, but in exceptional cases, they may be. For someone to receive a higher category award, at least five years must have passed since their last award, unless waived in extraordinary circumstances.

Award Presentation

The President of India presents the awards, usually in March or April, where awardees receive a Sanad (certificate) and a medallion. A small replica of the medallion is also given, which awardees may wear at ceremonial or state functions.

The award does not bestow a title and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to a recipient’s name.

Who Decides

The Padma Awards Committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary and comprising key government officials and eminent individuals, reviews all nominations. The committee submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister, who in turn advises the President of India for final approval.

The total number of Padma Awards conferred annually, excluding posthumous awards, NRI/foreigners/OCIs, is capped at 120.