Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education invites nominations for the National Awards to Teachers (Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics) 2026

**Executive Summary** The Department of Higher Education, in partnership with AICTE, is inviting nominations for the National Awards to Teachers (Higher Educational Institutions and Polytechnics) 2026. The awards recognize exemplary regular faculty members from technical and non-technical institutions across India. All nominations must be submitted via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal by the deadline of July 5, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Award Categories** * **Category I (HEIs):** Covers teachers in Higher Educational Institutions across three sub-categories: (i) Engineering, Technology, and Architecture; (ii) Pure Sciences including Medicine and Pharmacy; and (iii) Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Legal Studies, Commerce, and Management. * **Category II (Polytechnics):** Dedicated to exemplary faculty members serving in Polytechnic institutions. * **Eligibility Requirements** * Open to regular faculty members in Indian colleges, universities, and polytechnics. * Applicants must possess a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. * Candidates must be 55 years of age or younger as of the nomination deadline. * Current Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals are ineligible; however, former holders of these positions currently in active service who meet the age criteria may apply. * **Nomination Procedures** * Nominations are conducted online on a "Janbhagidari" basis through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (www.awards.gov.in). * Three modes of nomination are permitted: Self-Nomination, Institutional Nomination (by Heads of HEIs/Polytechnics), and Peer Nomination (by colleagues within the same institution). * Submissions must follow the prescribed format provided on the portal. **Impact Analysis** **Regular Faculty Members (HEIs and Polytechnics)** **Impact:** Provides an opportunity for educators to receive national recognition for exemplary teaching and contributions to higher education. **Action Required:** Eligible faculty must review the criteria and submit a self-nomination or coordinate a peer/institutional nomination via the portal by July 5, 2026. **Heads of Institutions (Vice-Chancellors, Directors, and Principals)** **Impact:** Institutions can highlight their excellence by nominating their most distinguished faculty members. **Action Required:** Identify exemplary staff and submit Institutional Nominations through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. **All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)** **Impact:** Acts as the institutional partner for the awards, providing support and oversight for the process. **Action Required:** Manage queries and support the nomination process through the provided helpdesk email and phone lines.

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