Which State Bags Highest Number of Padma Awards In 2026? Know the Details Here

New Delhi, January 25: On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, the Union Government announced the prestigious Padma Awards for 2026, with Maharashtra emerging as the state with the highest number of recipients. The list features a blend of cinematic legends, sporting icons, and grassroots "unsung heroes." Legendary actor Dharmendra Singh Deol was posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan, while T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma and celebrated playback singer Alka Yagnik are among the prominent names recognized for their exceptional service.

For 2026, the President of India approved a total of 131 Padma Awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards. Maharashtra secured the largest share of these honors, reflecting the state's significant contributions across the fields of art, trade, medicine, and sports. Padma Awards 2026 Full List: 131 Awardees Named; Bollywood Actor Dharmendra, Ex-Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan Honoured With Padma Vibhushan.

In the highest category, Dharmendra was honored posthumously for his six-decade-long career in Indian cinema. He is joined in the Padma Vibhushan list by former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan (posthumously) and renowned violinist Ms. N. Rajam. The Padma Bhushan list includes industrialist Uday Kotak, playback singer Alka Yagnik, and veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, further highlighting the strong representation from the creative and business sectors.

The Padma Shri awards this year focused heavily on "unsung heroes." Notable recipients from Maharashtra include Dr. Armida Fernandez, a neonatologist who established India's first human milk bank, and social worker Janardan Bapurao Bothe. From the world of sports, Indian cricket captains Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were both awarded the Padma Shri for their leadership and contributions to the game.

The 2026 list is also notable for its inclusivity, featuring 19 women, 16 posthumous awardees, and several international recipients from the USA, Russia, and Germany. These awards will be formally presented by the President of India during ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan, typically held in March or April. Padma Awards 2026: PM Narendra Modi Congratulates Awardees, Says Their Excellence and Service Enrich Society.

Key Recipients from Maharashtra: Padma Awards 2026

FAQs About Padma Awards

1. What are the three categories of Padma Awards?

The awards are given in three categories:

• Padma Vibhushan: For "exceptional and distinguished service." (Highest)

• Padma Bhushan: For "distinguished service of a high order."

• Padma Shri: For "distinguished service in any field."

2. Who is eligible for these awards?

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex are eligible. However, Government servants, including those working with PSUs (except doctors and scientists), are generally not eligible.

3. How are the winners selected?

The awards are conferred based on recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The nomination process is open to the public, and self-nomination is also allowed.

4. Can the Padma Awards be used as titles?

No. According to the Constitution of India, these awards do not amount to titles and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name (e.g., one cannot use "Padma Shri [Name]" on letterheads or business cards).

5. Is there a limit on the number of awards given each year?

Yes, the total number of awards for a year (excluding posthumous awards and those given to foreigners/NRIs) should not exceed 120.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2026 09:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).