The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education has invited nominations for the National Awards for Teachers 2026 for faculty members of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Polytechnics. Nominations can be submitted online through the Rashtriya Praskar portal at awards.gov.in.The awards are intended to recognize teachers and faculty members for their contributions to teaching, research, innovation, student mentoring, institutional development and community outreach. These awards will be given to exemplary teachers in technical and non-technical higher education institutions as well as polytechnic institutions across the country.
National Awards to Teachers 2026: 2 categories.
The awards are divided into two main categories. The first category is for teachers of higher education institutions and is further divided into three sub-categories based on subjects.The first subcategory includes engineering, technology and architecture. Others include pure sciences such as mathematics, physics, biological sciences, chemical sciences, medicine and pharmacy. The third includes arts, social sciences, humanities, languages, legal studies, commerce and management.The list of subjects is indicative and may include other emerging fields related to higher education, the ministry said.The second category is for teachers and faculty members of polytechnic institutions.
Who can apply for National Awards for Teachers 2026?
The awards are open to regular faculty members working in colleges, universities, institutes of higher education and polytechnic institutions in India.Applicants must have at least five years of full-time teaching experience at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Candidate should not be more than 55 years of age as on the last date of submission of nomination.Vice-Chancellors, Directors and Principals, whether regular or ex-officio, are not eligible to apply. However, persons who previously held such positions and are currently in active service below the age limit may apply.
How to Apply for National Award for Teachers 2026
Nominations can be submitted in three different ways. Teachers can apply through self nomination. Institutional nominations can be made by heads of institutions including directors, principals and vice-chancellors. In addition, peer nominations may be submitted by colleagues at the same institution where the nominee is employed.All applications should be submitted online in the prescribed format. Rashtriya Priskar Portal. The deadline for submission of nominations for the National Awards for Teachers 2026 is 5 July 2026.Check the direct link to apply Here
