Padma Bhushan

The Padma Bhushan (IAST: Padma Bhūṣaṇa, lit. 'Lotus Decoration' is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, and followed by the Padma Shri. Instituted on 2 January 1954, the award is given for "distinguished service of a high order ... without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex". The award criteria include "service in any field, including service rendered by Government servants," including doctors and scientists, but exclude those working with the public sector undertakings. As of 2026, the award has been bestowed on 1354 individuals, including 41 posthumous and 103 non-citizen recipients.

The Padma Awards Committee is constituted every year by the Prime Minister of India and the recommendations for the award are submitted between 1 May and 15 September. The recommendations are received from all the state and the union territory governments, as well as from Ministries of the Government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, the Institutes of Excellence, Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors of States, Members of Parliament, and private individuals. The committee later submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for further approval. The award recipients are announced on 26 January, the Republic Day of India.