Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (Bal Shakti)
by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
₹1,00,000Cash Prize
India's highest civilian honor for children (5-18), recognizing exceptional achievements. Winners receive ₹1 lakh, a medal, and a certificate.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Application period is typically several months, with awards conferred annually in January.
Eligibility
Indian citizens aged 5-18 years (as of July 31st of the application year) residing in India are eligible. Applicants must have demonstrated exceptional achievements in Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, or Sports. No minimum educational qualification is required, but achievements should be sustained over time.
- Age range
- 5 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No minimum educational qualification is required. However, scholastic achievements are considered under the 'Scholastic' category.
- Prerequisites
- Demonstrated exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in one of the specified categories (Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports)
- Achievements should be sustained over a period of time and indicative of passion and future potential in the respective field
- Must be an Indian Citizen residing in India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,00,000
Winners receive a cash prize of ₹1,00,000 and book vouchers worth ₹10,000.
Prizes
Medal
Awardees receive a prestigious medal.
Certificate
National Award Certificate
Awardees receive a prestigious certificate and a citation booklet from the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Opens doors to
Potential for reservation in central pool seats for medical education is offered.
Recognition
National-level recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 1 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Aug 2026
- Competition
- 23 Jan 2027 to 26 Jan 2027
Screening Committee Review
Initial review of all submitted applications by the Screening Committee to ensure eligibility and shortlist promising nominees.
National Selection Committee Review
Final evaluation and selection of awardees by the high-level National Selection Committee, comprising domain experts.
Announcement of Awardees (Veer Bal Diwas)
The recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026 are typically announced on Veer Bal Diwas, commemorating the bravery of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji.
Official Result Publication
The official list of selected awardees for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2026 will be published on the National Awards Portal.
Admit Card Release for Awardees
Admit cards will be released for selected awardees to facilitate their participation in the award ceremony and related events in New Delhi.
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi
How to apply
- 1Visit the official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in). Register on the portal with personal details including name, date of birth, mobile number, email, and Aadhaar number. Log in and select 'Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar' under ongoing nominations. Choose the relevant achievement category and indicate if it's a self-nomination or by another individual/institution. Fill in nominee details, provide a 500-word narrative of the achievement and its impact, and upload up to 10 supporting documents in PDF format, along with a recent photograph. Save drafts and edit before final submission.
Rules and guidelines
- Applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India.
- The age of the child must be between 5 and 18 years as of July 31st of the application year.
- Achievements must be exceptional and sustained over a period, not a one-off event.
- Nominations can be made by the child themselves, parents, officials, teachers, or any Indian citizen.
- Only one category of achievement can be selected per application.
Technology requirements
- Computer or smartphone with internet access
- Valid email address and mobile number for registration
- Ability to upload documents in PDF format and photographs in JPG/JPEG/PNG format
About this opportunity
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is India's highest civilian honor for children, awarded annually by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It recognizes children aged 5-18 years for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements. The award aims to celebrate young achievers and inspire their peers across the nation.
Indian citizens aged 5-18 years, residing in India, are eligible. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in categories like Bravery, Art & Culture, Environment, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, or Sports. Awardees receive a medal, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, a certificate, and national recognition, including participation in the Republic Day Parade and interaction with the Prime Minister.
Rounds and format
The selection process involves an initial screening of online applications and supporting documents, followed by evaluation by a high-level committee. Final selection is made based on the impact, innovation, and excellence of the child's achievements.
How entries are judged
Applications are evaluated based on the impact, innovation, and excellence of the child's achievements. The sustained nature of the achievement and its potential for future positive impact are also key factors.
Selection process
Selection is based on the exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements demonstrated by the child in one of the seven specified categories. The achievement should be significant, sustained, and have a positive impact.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
Frequently asked questions
How can participants effectively highlight their unique achievements to stand out in a highly competitive selection process?
Participants should focus on crafting a compelling narrative that clearly articulates the impact and originality of their achievements. Providing concrete evidence, such as media coverage, testimonials, and quantifiable results, can significantly strengthen the application and demonstrate sustained excellence.
What are the common pitfalls applicants should avoid when preparing their nomination to maximize their chances of selection?
Common pitfalls include submitting incomplete applications, failing to provide sufficient supporting documentation, or not clearly articulating the significance of the achievement. Applicants should ensure all information is accurate, concise, and directly relevant to the chosen category, avoiding generic descriptions.
How does the selection committee evaluate the 'impact' of an achievement, and what kind of evidence is most persuasive?
The selection committee assesses impact by looking at the reach, depth, and positive change brought about by the child's actions. Evidence such as community feedback, testimonials from beneficiaries, media reports, and data illustrating the scale of influence are highly persuasive in demonstrating significant impact.
What role does innovation play in the selection process, especially for achievements in fields like Science & Technology or Art & Culture?
Innovation is a critical factor, particularly in categories like Science & Technology and Art & Culture. The committee looks for novel approaches, creative solutions, and original contributions that demonstrate forward-thinking and a unique perspective, setting the achievement apart from conventional efforts.
Beyond the primary achievement, what other qualities or sustained efforts are considered by the selection committee?
Beyond the primary achievement, the committee considers the child's sustained dedication, passion, leadership qualities, and overall character. Evidence of consistent effort, resilience in overcoming challenges, and a commitment to social good can significantly enhance an application.
What is the typical timeline for the award ceremony and related events after the results are announced?
Following the announcement of results on Veer Bal Diwas (December 26), awardees typically receive admit cards around mid-January. The award ceremony and associated events, including interactions with dignitaries, usually take place in New Delhi around the Republic Day celebrations (January 23-26).
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