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:
- Recognize outstanding achievements of persons with disabilities
- Encourage inclusive development and equal opportunities
- Promote innovation and research in the disability sector
- Honor professionals working in disability rehabilitation
- Celebrate creative achievements by children with disabilities
- Encourage individuals contributing to disability empowerment
- Increase awareness of disability rights and inclusion
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:
- Research
- Innovation
- Assistive technology
- Product development
- Disability-related technological solutions
Award Benefits
Successful awardees receive cash prizes along with national recognition.
Sarvashresth Divyangjan
Awardees receive:
- INR 2 lakh
- Certificate
- Medal
Other Categories
Awardees under the following categories receive:
- Shresth Divyangjan
- Outstanding Creative Child with Disabilities
- Most Outstanding Person Working for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Most Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional/Personnel
- Most Outstanding Research, Innovation, or Product Development in the Field of Disability
Benefits include:
- INR 1 lakh
- Certificate
- Medal
Number of Awards
The programme offers:
- 6 awards under the Sarvashresth Divyangjan category
- 10 awards under the Shresth Divyangjan category
- 2 awards under the Outstanding Creative Child with Disabilities category
- 1 award each for:
- Most Outstanding Person Working for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
- Most Outstanding Rehabilitation Professional/Personnel
- Most Outstanding Research, Innovation, or Product Development in the Field of Disability
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:
- Have a benchmark disability of 40% or more
- Belong to one of the disability categories recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Not have received a National Award from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities during the previous five years
Outstanding Creative Child with Disabilities
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or younger
- Meet the eligibility requirements for children with disabilities
Empowerment, Rehabilitation, Research, and Innovation Categories
Applicants may include:
- Persons with disabilities
- Rehabilitation professionals
- Researchers
- Innovators
- Product developers
- Individuals working for disability empowerment
Applicants must not have received a National Award from the Department during the previous five years.
Nomination Process
Eligible individuals may:
- Apply themselves
- Be nominated by a guardian
- Be nominated by a family member
- Be nominated by another associated individual
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:
- Achievements
- Professional contributions
- Disability status (where applicable)
- Supporting evidence
- Other required information
Step 4: Submit the Application or Nomination
Applications may be submitted by:
- The applicant
- Guardian
- Family member
- Nominator
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:
- Promote disability inclusion
- Recognize outstanding achievements
- Encourage innovation in disability services
- Support rehabilitation excellence
- Celebrate creativity among children with disabilities
- Increase awareness of disability rights
- Inspire inclusive development across India
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying under the wrong award category
- Failing to meet age or disability eligibility requirements
- Applying after receiving a National Award within the previous five years
- Submitting incomplete documentation
- Providing insufficient evidence of achievements
- Missing required supporting documents
Tips for a Strong Application
- Choose the most appropriate award category
- Clearly document your achievements and impact
- Include evidence supporting your accomplishments
- Highlight contributions to disability empowerment or innovation
- Ensure all eligibility requirements are satisfied
- Submit complete and accurate documentation
- Review the application carefully before submission
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.
