The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours in India, recognizing exceptional contributions across various fields. These awards, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, are a mark of excellence and dedication to public service. Nominations for the Padma Awards 2025 are now open, and this guide will help you navigate the process of submitting a nomination.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Nomination Start Date: May 1, 2024
  • Nomination End Date: September 15, 2024
  • Announcement Date: January 25, 2025 (on the eve of Republic Day)

Overview of the Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are given in three categories:

  1. Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service.
  2. Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a higher order.
  3. Padma Shri: For distinguished service in any field.

The awards recognize excellence in a wide range of fields, including Art, Literature, Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry, and others. Notably, there is an element of public service in the achievements of those selected for these awards.

Eligibility Criteria

Any person, regardless of race, occupation, position, or sex, is eligible for the Padma Awards. However, serving government servants, including those working with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), are not eligible, except for doctors and scientists. The awards are intended to honor distinguished and exceptional achievements or services in various fields.

Posthumous Cases

While the Padma Awards are generally not conferred posthumously, the government may consider awarding them posthumously in highly deserving and rare cases.

Eligibility for a Higher Category of Padma Award

A higher category of the Padma Award can be conferred on a person only if at least five years have elapsed since the previous award was given. However, exceptions can be made in cases of rare and most exceptional achievements.

Decoration and Recognition

Awardees receive:

A Sanad (Certificate) signed by the President of India.

  • A Medallion representing the Padma Award.
  • A Miniature Replica of the medal, which can be worn during state or ceremonial functions.

It’s important to note that no monetary grant is attached to these awards, and they do not amount to a title. The award should not be used as a suffix or prefix to the recipient’s name.

Number of Awardees

The total number of Padma Awards given each year, excluding posthumous cases and awards to foreigners/NRIs/OCIs, is limited to 120.

Who Can Nominate?

The nomination process for the Padma Awards is open to the public, and even self-nominations are accepted. Online nominations and recommendations can be submitted online from May 1 to September 15 each year.

Selection Process

The Padma Awards online nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister each year. No award is conferred without the recommendation of this committee. The committee’s recommendations are then submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for final approval. The names of the awardees are announced on the eve of Republic Day.

Ceremony Details

The Padma Awards are presented by the President of India, usually in March or April each year. During the ceremony, awardees receive their Sanad (Certificate) and Medallion. The names of the awardees are also published in the Gazette of India on the day of the presentation ceremony.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Nomination Process

You can nominate candidates for the Padma awards on the official website of Padma awards at https://www.padmaawards.gov.in/.

The detailed nomination process is given below.

Registration Process for Individuals

  1. Register on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal: Visit https://awards.gov.in and click on the “Register” button on the top right corner of the home page.
  2. Choose Nominator Type: Select “Individual” and fill in your personal details, including your name, date of birth (as per your Aadhar or valid identity proof), and phone number.
  3. Select Identity Proof: Choose either Aadhar, Voter ID, passport, or driving license to register.
  4. Submit Details: Enter the captcha and submit your details. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
  5. Create a Password: After entering the OTP, create a password for your account and proceed to log in.
  6. Start the Nomination: Once logged in, you can begin the nomination process by selecting the Padma Award category and filling in the nominee’s details.

Registration Process for Organizations

  1. Access the Portal: Click on “Ongoing Award Nominations” on the top right corner of the home page of the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
  2. Select Organization: On the home page, under the “Nominate for Ongoing Awards” heading, click on Padma Awards 2025 – “View Details”.
  3. Register as an Organization: Click on “Don’t have an Account? Click here to Register” and select the “Organization” radio button.
  4. Provide Organization Details: Fill in the required details, including the type of organization and identity proof.
  5. Complete the Registration: Enter the captcha, submit the details, receive the OTP, create a password, and proceed to log in.
  6. Nominate: After logging in, follow the steps to nominate a candidate by providing the necessary information and documents.

Best Practices for a Successful Nomination

  1. Spacing and Formatting: Ensure that the nomination form is well-spaced and formatted. Proper spacing between sections and paragraphs enhances readability.
  2. Document Preparation: Prepare all required documents in advance. Documents such as the nominee’s photograph, Aadhaar, and any supporting evidence should be clearly scanned and legible.
  3. Correct Documentation: Upload only the relevant and correct documents. Incorrect or missing documents can lead to delays or rejection of the nomination.
  4. Contact Information Check: Double-check the contact details provided to avoid any communication issues during the evaluation process.
  5. Hygiene Check: Perform a final review of the application to ensure all sections are filled out accurately. Spelling and grammatical errors should be corrected before submission.

Writing an Effective Citation

The citation is a critical component of the nomination. It should clearly and concisely articulate the nominee’s achievements and the impact of their work. Here are some tips for writing an effective citation:

  1. Start with a Strong Introduction: Begin the citation with a brief statement that highlights the nominee’s most significant contribution.
  2. Provide Specific Examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate how the nominee’s work has made a difference in their field or community.
  3. Focus on Impact: Emphasize the broader impact of the nominee’s work, such as how it has benefited society, advanced knowledge, or inspired others.
  4. Be Concise: While it’s important to be thorough, the citation should be concise and to the point. Aim to capture the essence of the nominee’s achievements in a few well-crafted paragraphs.

Steps for the Nomination Process

  1. Select Award Category: After logging in, click on “Nominate/Apply Now” and choose the appropriate award category.
  2. Provide Nominee Details: Enter details such as the nominee’s name, field of achievement, and the award category.
  3. Additional Information: If applicable, provide sub-field information, date of birth, or age if the date of birth is unavailable.
  4. Posthumous Nominations: If the nominee is deceased, select the “Date of Birth Not Available” option and provide the year of demise.
  5. Document Upload: Attach a photograph of the nominee and any supporting documents.
  6. Review and Submit: Preview the application, edit if necessary, and then click on the “Final Submit” button to complete the nomination.

For more information and assistance, visit the official Padma Awards 2025 Portal. The portal provides detailed instructions, FAQs, and support for the nomination process.

Additionally, if you need help with crafting a compelling citation, GetSetResumes offers professional citation writing services to ensure that the nominee’s achievements and contributions are effectively and eloquently presented.

The Padma Awards are a prestigious recognition of excellence and service to the nation. By following this guide and utilizing resources such as the official portal and GetSetResumes’ expertise in citation writing, you can contribute to recognizing deserving individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

You can view or download the Padma Award Nomination Process handbook from the link below.

Padma-Award-Nomination-Process-2024Download

by Prachi Sachdeva
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