The Government of India has approved 131 Padma Awards for 2026. The awards include five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. This year's list features 19 women and six foreigners, NRIs, PIOs, or OCIs. Sixteen awards were given posthumously. The Padma Awards recognize distinguished service in fields like art, social work, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature, sports, and civil service. Padma Vibhushan honors exceptional and distinguished service. Padma Bhushan is for distinguished service of high order. Padma Shri recognizes distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced every year on Republic Day and presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan around March or April.