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Open Call: National Award for Individual Excellence 2026 (India)

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Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

Applications are now open for the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes individuals making outstanding contributions to disability empowerment, rehabilitation, research, innovation, and inclusion under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The awards honor persons with disabilities, creative children with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, and individuals promoting disability rights. Awardees receive cash prizes of up to INR 2 lakh, along with a certificate and medal.

National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Overview

The National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities recognizes exceptional achievements and contributions that improve the lives, rights, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in India.

The awards encourage excellence in disability empowerment, rehabilitation services, innovation, research, creative achievement, and advocacy, while promoting the objectives of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Purpose of the Award

The National Award aims to:

Award Categories

The awards are presented across several categories.

Sarvashresth Divyangjan

This category recognizes individuals with outstanding achievements despite disability.

Shresth Divyangjan

This category honors persons with disabilities who have demonstrated excellence in various fields.

Outstanding Creative Child with Disabilities

This award recognizes children with disabilities who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and talent.

Most Outstanding Person Working for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

This category honors individuals who have made significant contributions to disability inclusion and empowerment.

Most Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional/Personnel

The award recognizes professionals providing exceptional rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities.

Most Outstanding Research, Innovation, or Product Development in the Field of Disability

This category recognizes outstanding contributions in:

Award Benefits

Successful awardees receive cash prizes along with national recognition.

Sarvashresth Divyangjan

Awardees receive:

Other Categories

Awardees under the following categories receive:

Benefits include:

Number of Awards

The programme offers:

Additionally, the National Selection Committee may recommend up to three additional awards under Individual Excellence or Institutional Empowerment categories.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility varies depending on the award category.

Sarvashresth Divyangjan and Shresth Divyangjan

Applicants must:

Outstanding Creative Child with Disabilities

Applicants must:

Empowerment, Rehabilitation, Research, and Innovation Categories

Applicants may include:

Applicants must not have received a National Award from the Department during the previous five years.

Nomination Process

Eligible individuals may:

How the Award Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements for your chosen award category.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Category

Choose the category that best matches your achievements or contributions.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documents demonstrating:

Step 4: Submit the Application or Nomination

Applications may be submitted by:

Step 5: Evaluation

Applications are assessed by the National Selection Committee based on merit, impact, innovation, and contribution to disability empowerment.

Step 6: Award Announcement

Selected awardees receive national recognition, a certificate, a medal, and the applicable cash prize.

Why These Awards Matter

The National Awards help:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tips for a Strong Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the National Award?

Persons with disabilities, creative children with disabilities, rehabilitation professionals, researchers, innovators, and individuals working for disability empowerment may apply, depending on the award category.

2. What is the highest cash award available?

The Sarvashresth Divyangjan category provides INR 2 lakh, along with a certificate and medal.

3. How many Sarvashresth Divyangjan awards are presented?

A total of six awards are presented under this category.

4. What is the minimum disability requirement for Sarvashresth Divyangjan and Shresth Divyangjan?

Applicants must have a benchmark disability of 40% or more under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

5. Can previous National Award recipients apply?

No. Individuals who have received a National Award from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities within the previous five years are not eligible.

6. Can someone else nominate an applicant?

Yes. Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by a guardian, family member, or another associated individual.

7. What recognition do awardees receive?

Awardees receive a cash prize, certificate, and medal, along with national recognition for their achievements.

Conclusion

The National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, leadership, creativity, innovation, and service in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. By recognizing excellence across multiple categories, the awards encourage greater participation, accessibility, and empowerment within society.

Through national recognition and financial support, the programme inspires individuals and professionals to continue contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible India.

For more information, visit Government of India.

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