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New Delhi, June 27, 2026: The Government of India has officially opened the application window for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2026. Organized annually by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this prestigious national award is designed to discover, honor, and celebrate the exceptional talent, determination, and bravery of young citizens across the nation.
The initiative offers a lifetime recognition that puts the country’s most brilliant young minds and courageous hearts on a national stage. This year, the government is making a special appeal to schools, parents, local institutions, and the general public to actively look for extraordinary young people—especially those from marginalized communities, rural backgrounds, and girls—who are quietly making a difference but may not ordinarily receive public attention.
Key Deadlines and Event Details
The online application process launched earlier this spring, and the government has set a firm final deadline for all submissions.
- Last Date for Submission: July 31, 2026
- Award Presentation Ceremony: December 26, 2026 (Observed as Veer Bal Diwas, commemorating the courage of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh).
- The Honors: Conferred by the President of India in New Delhi, recipients will receive a medal, a certificate, and a formal citation.
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure the awards reach truly deserving candidates while maintaining a transparent evaluation process, the Ministry has laid down specific eligibility guidelines:
- Age Limit: The nominee must be between 5 and 18 years old as of July 31, 2026.
- Nationality: The child must be an Indian citizen and currently residing in India.
- Timeline of Achievement: The specific act of bravery, scientific innovation, or exceptional contribution must have occurred within two years of the nomination deadline (July 31, 2026).
- Exclusions: Any child who has previously received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in any category is not eligible to apply again.
The Six Award Categories
Every year, approximately 25 children are selected for their incredible feats. The awards are distributed across six core fields:
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The nomination process has been made completely digital and centralized. Nominations can be made by any individual, school, or external institution, and the portal also fully supports self-nominations by the children themselves.
1.Visit the Portal:Step 1.
Go to the official government rewards website at https://awards.gov.in.
2.Register or Log In:Step 2.
Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials. You will need to provide basic information including name, email ID, and mobile number.
3.Locate the Award:Step 3.
Navigate to the “Ongoing Nominations” section on the dashboard and select Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026. Click on the “Nominate/Apply Now” button.
4.Fill Nominee Details:Step 4.
Enter the detailed personal profile of the child, including Date of Birth, Aadhaar details, and contact information. Clearly indicate if this is a self-nomination or a third-party recommendation.
5.Upload the Impact Write-Up:Step 5.
Submit a comprehensive, easy-to-read write-up of up to 1000 words explaining the child’s specific achievement, how it was accomplished, and the positive impact it has made.
6.Attach Supporting Evidence:Step 6.
Upload a recent photograph of the child (in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format) along with clear certificates, news clippings, or digital proof validating their achievement.
7.Save Draft and Submit:Step 7.
You can save your application as a draft to edit it at any point. Once everything is thoroughly cross-checked, click submit and download the final confirmation copy for your records.
If you know a young innovator who spent their weekends building a local recycling app, a sports prodigy breaking regional records, or a courageous child who stepped up in a crisis, make sure their story reaches the national stage before the July 31 deadline.