PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026 nominations open, apply by July 31

The Ministry of Women and Child Development has invited nominations for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026, with applications open until July 31 through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at awards.gov.in.

Conferred annually by the President of India, the award recognizes children who have demonstrated exceptional courage, innovation, talent, leadership, and dedication while making a meaningful contribution to society.

The winners will be announced on Dec 26, observed as Veer Bal Diwas, during a ceremony in New Delhi.

Children aged 5 to 18 years as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for the award. Nominations can be submitted by schools, institutions, organizations, government bodies, individuals, or by the children themselves through self-nomination.

The awards are presented in six categories:

• Bravery
• Social Service
• Environment
• Sports
• Art & Culture
• Science & Technology

To be eligible, applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India, fall within the prescribed age limit, have achieved the recognized accomplishment within the two years preceding the nomination deadline, and must not have previously received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in any category.

To apply, candidates must register or log in to the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at awards.gov.in, select "Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026" from the ongoing nominations section, choose the appropriate category, and upload the required documents along with a write-up explaining the child's achievement and its impact.

According to the ministry, the award honors children whose resilience, creativity, leadership, and commitment have inspired others and made a positive contribution to society.