Sri Vijaya Puram, June 3: The Government of India has opened nominations for the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), inviting applications from children who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in diverse fields ranging from bravery and social service to science and sports.
The online nomination portal for the award is now active, and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal until July 31, 2026. Authorities have clarified that nominations submitted through any mode other than the designated online platform will not be considered.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is among the country’s highest civilian honours for children. Instituted to recognize young achievers and inspire excellence among the nation’s youth, the award celebrates extraordinary contributions made by children below the age of 18 years.
According to the eligibility criteria, children who are under 18 years of age as of July 31, 2026, and have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in their respective fields are eligible for nomination. The awards are presented under six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art and Culture, and Science and Technology.
The award aims to identify and honour young individuals who have made significant contributions to society or have excelled in areas that bring distinction to themselves and the nation. Over the years, recipients of the award have included child innovators, athletes, artists, environmental advocates, social workers, and young heroes who have displayed exceptional courage in challenging situations.
Officials stated that the PMRBP serves not only as a recognition of talent but also as a platform to motivate children across India to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society. By highlighting inspiring stories of young achievers, the award seeks to encourage innovation, leadership, and social responsibility among children.
One of the key highlights of the award is the national recognition accorded to recipients. The award is conferred by the President of India during a ceremonial event held at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually one week before Republic Day celebrations. The occasion provides young achievers with an opportunity to be recognized at the highest level of the nation.
Awardees of the Bal Shakti Puraskar category also participate in the Republic Day celebrations held in New Delhi. Their involvement in the national festivities places them among distinguished guests and serves as a symbol of the country’s appreciation for their achievements.
The Rashtriya Puraskar Portal has been developed to streamline the nomination process and ensure transparency in the selection procedure. The digital platform allows eligible candidates, institutions, and individuals to submit nominations online from any part of the country.
Authorities have urged schools, educational institutions, youth organizations, parents, and community leaders to identify deserving children and encourage them to apply before the deadline. They emphasized that many talented children often remain unnoticed due to a lack of awareness about such opportunities.
With nominations now underway, the award presents a significant opportunity for young achievers from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to gain national recognition for their contributions and accomplishments. Interested applicants can complete the nomination process online before July 31, 2026, through the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
