The Department of Higher Education, under the Ministry of Education, has officially invited nominations for the National Awards to Teachers 2026. These awards are specifically designed for faculty members of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics across India. The entire nomination process is to be conducted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at awards.gov.in.
Purpose and Scope of the Awards
The primary objective of these awards is to acknowledge and honor teachers and faculty members for their outstanding contributions in various domains, including teaching, research, innovation, student mentorship, institutional development, and community outreach. The awards will be conferred upon exemplary educators from both technical and non-technical higher educational institutions, as well as polytechnic institutes throughout the country.
National Awards to Teachers 2026: Two Main Categories
The awards are structured into two primary categories. The first category is designated for teachers of Higher Educational Institutions and is further subdivided into three sub-categories based on disciplines:
- Engineering, Technology and Architecture
- Pure Sciences such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy
- Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Legal Studies, Commerce and Management
The ministry has clarified that the list of disciplines is indicative and may also encompass other emerging fields related to higher education.
The second category is exclusively meant for teachers and faculty members of Polytechnic institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
The awards are open to regular faculty members working in colleges, universities, higher educational institutions, and polytechnic institutes in India. Applicants must possess at least five years of full-time teaching experience at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Additionally, candidates should not be above 55 years of age as on the last date of nomination submission.
Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals, whether regular or officiating, are not eligible to apply. However, individuals who previously held such positions and are currently in active service below the age limit can apply.
How to Apply for National Award to Teachers 2026
Nominations can be submitted under three different modes:
- Self-nomination by the teacher themselves.
- Institutional nominations made by Heads of Institutions, including Directors, Principals, and Vice-Chancellors.
- Peer nominations submitted by colleagues from the same institution where the nominee is employed.
All applications must be submitted online in the prescribed format through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. The last date to submit nominations for the National Awards to Teachers 2026 is July 5, 2026.
