The University Grants Commission (UGC) has called upon all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to submit nominations for the prestigious Padma Awards 2025 through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal. In a recent notification, the UGC urged eligible institutions and individuals to ensure timely and comprehensive recommendations by July 31, 2025, highlighting excellence in diverse fields.
Submission process and requirements
Nominations for the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri must be submitted online at [https://awards.gov.in](https://awards.gov.in). The submission should follow the specified format and include a citation not exceeding 800 words, written in a narrative style. This citation should clearly outline the nominee’s exceptional achievements and contributions to their respective fields. All relevant details must be accurately filled in the form while submitting the recommendations.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing extraordinary service across disciplines such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Services, Trade and Industry, among others. The awards are announced annually on Republic Day and are open to all individuals regardless of race, gender, or occupation.
Eligibility criteria and additional considerations
The government has emphasized that nominations should only include individuals whose lifetime achievements reflect distinguished service and an “excellence plus” standard. Prior recognition at the national or state level is considered favorable, though not mandatory. The notification also encourages the identification of deserving individuals from underrepresented groups including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other marginalized communities.
Government employees, excluding doctors and scientists, are generally not eligible for Padma Awards. Posthumous awards are rarely granted and only considered if the individual passed away within a year prior to the upcoming Republic Day. Additionally, a higher category award can be recommended for a previously awarded individual, provided a minimum gap of five years has passed—exceptions apply for extraordinarily deserving cases.
