Sri Vijaya Puram, May 22: The Government of India has opened online nominations for the 2026 edition of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, a national honour presented annually to children for exceptional achievements across multiple fields including bravery, science, sports and social service.
According to an official communication issued in Sri Vijaya Puram on May 18, nominations and recommendations for the award will be accepted exclusively through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. The last date for submission of applications has been fixed as July 31, 2026.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is among the country’s highest civilian recognitions for children and is conferred by the President of India at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan during a ceremony held one week ahead of Republic Day celebrations each year.
Children below the age of 18 years as on July 31, 2026 are eligible for nomination if they have demonstrated outstanding achievement or contribution in any of the identified categories. The award covers six fields, Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology.
Officials said the award was instituted to recognise and encourage talented children who have displayed exceptional abilities, innovation, courage or service in their respective domains at a young age.
The selected awardees are felicitated by the Prime Minister in addition to receiving the honour from the President of India. Award recipients under the Bal Shakti Puraskar category also participate in the Republic Day Parade held on January 26 at Rajpath in New Delhi.
The annual awards have often featured children who have excelled in academics, innovation, sports achievements, environmental conservation initiatives, humanitarian work and acts of courage under difficult circumstances.
Authorities stated that all nominations and recommendations must be submitted online through the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal designed specifically for the award process. Applications submitted through any mode other than the online portal will not be considered.
The announcement is expected to encourage participation from children across the country, including those from remote and island regions, who have made notable contributions in different fields.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar has over the years emerged as a major national platform recognising young achievers and inspiring children to contribute positively to society through innovation, leadership, creativity and public service.
Educational institutions, organisations and individuals are also eligible to recommend deserving candidates through the online system. The portal facilitates digital submission and screening of nominations before the selection process is undertaken by the concerned authorities.
The award ceremony, traditionally held ahead of Republic Day, is regarded as one of the most prominent occasions celebrating achievements of children at the national level. Participation in the Republic Day Parade further gives selected awardees national visibility and recognition.
Officials have advised interested applicants and recommending authorities to complete the online nomination process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
The notification comes as several educational and youth-oriented initiatives continue to encourage participation of children in innovation, environmental awareness, sports and social leadership activities across the country.
