PIB TrackerPresident Murmu confers Padma Awards 2026 at the second civil investiture ceremony
At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri — India's top civilian honours, recognising distinguished service across fields, with the Vice President and Prime Minister in attendance.
What happened
- The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awards for 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 23 June 2026.
- Among the dignitaries present were the Vice President of India, the Prime Minister and the Union Minister for Home Affairs.
- The Padma Awards are conferred in three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
- They recognise distinguished and exceptional achievement and service across fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science, medicine, literature, sport, trade and civil service.
- The investiture follows the annual announcement of the awards on Republic Day, with the honours conferred by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
For Prelims
- Padma Awards — three categories: Padma Vibhushan (exceptional and distinguished service — the highest), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of a high order), and Padma Shri (distinguished service). They rank below the Bharat Ratna.
- Instituted: The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 (along with the Bharat Ratna); they are announced on Republic Day (26 January) and conferred by the President.
- Not titles (Article 18): Padma Awards cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to a recipient's name; Article 18 of the Constitution abolishes titles (except military/academic distinctions).
- Selection: Recommended by a Padma Awards Committee constituted by the PM; nominations are open to the public ('Padma Awards portal'), with an emphasis on unsung heroes ('People's Padma').
- Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian award, for exceptional service/performance of the highest order — distinct from and above the Padma Awards.
- Gallantry vs civilian: Padma Awards are civilian honours (not gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra); a recipient can receive a higher Padma award later (but not the same level twice).
- Don't confuse: Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri; all are below the Bharat Ratna. They are honours, not constitutional 'titles' barred by Article 18.
For UPSC: President Murmu conferred Padma Awards 2026 (Padma Vibhushan/Bhushan/Shri) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Anchor the three categories and their order, their rank below the Bharat Ratna, institution in 1954 and Republic Day announcement, Article 18 (not to be used as titles), the selection process (Padma Committee, public nominations/'People's Padma'), and the civilian-vs-gallantry-award distinction.
What it is NOT: Padma Awards are civilian honours that CANNOT be used as titles/prefixes (Article 18) — distinct from gallantry awards. Padma Vibhushan > Padma Bhushan > Padma Shri, and all rank below the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian award).
For Mains
Syllabus: GS1.1 · Linkage L1
Anchor
Recognising excellence and service — civilian honours that celebrate contributions across fields, including unsung grassroots achievers.
Substantiation (data)
President Murmu conferred Padma Vibhushan/Bhushan/Shri 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan (Civil Investiture Ceremony-II); VP, PM and Home Minister present.
Exemplification
Cite the 'People's Padma' shift toward unsung grassroots awardees as an example of democratising national honours.
Problematisation
Debates over selection transparency, occasional declines/returns of awards, and ensuring honours reflect genuine merit and diversity persist.
Way-forward
Sustain transparent, merit- and grassroots-focused selection, broaden field and regional diversity, and maintain the dignity and credibility of national honours.
Position
Government stance: the Padma Awards honour distinguished service across society, increasingly recognising unsung heroes and grassroots excellence.
Deploys into: National honours & the Constitution (Article 18, titles) · civilian awards (Padma/Bharat Ratna) · recognition of art/science/social service · 'People's Padma' (GS1.1 art & culture).
President's Secretariat · 2026-06-23 · PRID 2277220 · PIB source ↗