Celebrating Excellence: PM’s Awards for Public Administration 2025

PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025

On December 1, 2025, the Government of India (GoI) approved the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025. These awards aim to acknowledge, recognize, and reward exceptional work by civil servants throughout India. The awards ceremony will take place on April 21, 2026, coinciding with Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Key Details of the Awards

Exam Hints:

• What? PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025 Approved
• Who? Government of India (GoI)
• Categories: Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme, Innovation
• Presentation Day: April 21, 2026 (Civil Services Day)
• Evaluation Criteria: Good Governance, Qualitative Achievements, Quantitative Achievements
• Award Components: A trophy, scroll, and Rs. 20 lakhs incentive

Award Categories for 2025

In 2025, the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration will honor remarkable contributions of civil servants across three primary categories:

• Category 1 - Holistic Development of Districts: This category recognizes overall district development, focusing on exceptional performance across 11 priority sectors. Five awards will be conferred under this category. The priority sectors include:
  • Drinking Water & Sanitation
  • Rural Housing
  • Urban Housing
  • Health Services
  • Health Insurance
  • Livelihood & Financial Inclusion
  • Maternal & Child Welfare
  • Agriculture & Allied Activities
  • Traditional Skills
  • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Nutrition
• Category 2 - Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP): This category focuses on blocks identified as backward or in need of targeted intervention. Five awards will be conferred for outstanding progress and innovation in these areas.
• Category 3 - Innovations for Central Ministries or Departments, States, Districts: In this category, six awards will be given for innovative projects or practices developed by various governmental levels.

Background and Evaluation Process

The PM’s Awards Portal was launched on October 1, 2025, enabling registration and nomination submissions until November 20, 2025. A total of 2,035 nominations were received, categorized as follows:

• Holistic Development of Districts: 513
• Aspirational Blocks Programme: 464
• Innovations: 1,058

The evaluation process involves several committees:

• A Screening Committee, chaired by Additional Secretaries, will shortlist entries.
• An Expert Committee, led by Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DRPG), will evaluate the shortlisted nominations.
• An Empowered Committee, chaired by Dr. T.V. Somanathan, Cabinet Secretary, will provide final recommendations.

About the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration

This initiative was established in 2006 to honor outstanding and innovative work by districts and government organizations. The awards have evolved over the years. In 2014, the focus shifted to District Collectors and their contributions to priority programs and innovation. By 2025, the awards emphasize good governance, quality of work, and reaching the last mile. Award components include a trophy, scroll, and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakhs for the awarded district or organization to support project implementation or welfare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration?
Answer: The awards recognize and reward outstanding work by civil servants across India, aiming to enhance governance and promote best practices.

Q2. When will the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025 be presented?
Answer: The awards will be presented on April 21, 2026, during the Civil Services Day celebrations at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Q3. What are the categories for the PM’s Awards 2025?
Answer: The awards for 2025 include categories such as Holistic Development of Districts, Aspirational Blocks Programme, and Innovations for Central Ministries or Departments.

Q4. How many nominations were received for the PM’s Awards 2025?
Answer: A total of 2,035 nominations were received, covering various categories aimed at recognizing exemplary work in public administration.

Q5. What do the award winners receive?
Answer: Winners receive a trophy, scroll, and an incentive of Rs. 20 lakhs for project implementation or welfare needs.