National Awards to Teachers 2026: Education Ministry invites application— check eligibility and how to apply

Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has invited nominations for the National Awards to Teachers 2026 for faculty members of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics. The nominations can be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal at awards.gov.in.

The awards aim to recognise teachers and faculty members for their contribution to teaching, research, innovation, student mentorship, institutional development and community outreach.

The awards will be given to exemplary teachers from technical and non-technical higher educational institutions as well as polytechnic institutes across the country.

National Awards to Teachers 2026: 2 categories

The awards have been divided into two main categories. The first category is for teachers of Higher Educational Institutions and has been further split into three sub-categories based on disciplines.

The first sub-category includes Engineering, Technology and Architecture. The second covers Pure Sciences such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Medicine and Pharmacy. The third includes Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Legal Studies, Commerce and Management.

The ministry said the list of disciplines is indicative and may also include other emerging fields related to higher education.

The second category is meant for teachers and faculty members of Polytechnic institutions.

Who can apply for National Awards to Teachers 2026

The awards are open to regular faculty members working in colleges, universities, higher educational institutions and polytechnic institutes in India.

Applicants must have at least five years of full-time teaching experience at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The candidate should also 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 earlier 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. Teachers can apply through self-nomination. Institutional nominations can also be made by Heads of Institutions, including Directors, Principals and Vice-Chancellors.

In addition, peer nominations can be submitted by colleagues from the same institution where the nominee is employed.

All applications have to 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.

See direct link to apply here

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