Padma Awards 2026 announced

• Padma Awards are India's second-highest civilian honours (after Bharat Ratna), instituted in 1954, conferred annually on Republic Day and presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan around March–April by the President of India.
• Three tiers (in descending order): Padma Vibhushan (exceptional & distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of high order), Padma Shri (distinguished service in any field).
• Awarded across disciplines: art, social work, public affairs, science & engineering, trade & industry, medicine, literature & education, sports, civil service.
• UPSC relevance: tested under awards & honours (Prelims) and ethics/governance & culture (Mains).