President Murmu to Present National Awards to 21 Higher Education and Polytechnic Teachers Today

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Awards to Teachers (NAT) 2026 on 21 teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics at a ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan on Teachers’ Day. According to the Ministry of Education, this year’s awardees include 12 teachers and faculty members from central higher education institutions, while five have been selected from state universities and colleges. The state-level recipients include three teachers from government institutions and two from private colleges. Four faculty members from polytechnics have also been chosen, including two from government and two from private institutions.

The nominations for the National Awards to Teachers 2026 were conducted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. As part of the government’s Jan Bhagidari initiative, the nomination process allowed candidates to be recommended through self-nomination, institutional nomination and peer nomination. The nomination window was open from May 26 to July 20.

The awards recognise teachers and faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to education and academic development. Candidates were evaluated on several aspects of their professional work, including the effectiveness of their teaching and learning methods, outreach programmes, research and innovation, sponsored research, faculty development initiatives, consultancy and other academic contributions.

Among this year’s recipients is Dr Jayrajsinh Sarvaiya, Professor, Dean of Forensic Pharmacy and Head of the Centre for Drug and Food Forensics at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). Reacting to the honour, Sarvaiya said the recognition was a matter of pride and represented not only appreciation for his individual efforts but also acknowledgement of the institution and the collective work of educators. He expressed hope that the award would encourage him and others to continue making meaningful contributions to the country.

The selection of awardees is carried out through a two-stage process. Nominations are initially examined and shortlisted by a Preliminary Search-cum-Screening Committee. The shortlisted candidates are subsequently assessed by a Jury Committee, which makes the final selection. The National Awards category for teachers and faculty members from higher education institutions and polytechnics was introduced in 2023. Before its expansion, the National Awards to Teachers were primarily presented to school teachers. The inclusion of higher education and polytechnic faculty was aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises creating stronger mechanisms to recognise and encourage excellence across India's education system.

Teachers’ Day is observed across India on September 5 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a renowned philosopher, scholar and educator. The day is dedicated to recognising the contribution of teachers to education and nation-building.

Educational institutions across the country mark Teachers’ Day through various programmes and activities. The occasion gives students an opportunity to express their gratitude to teachers, while also highlighting the important role educators play in imparting knowledge, nurturing talent and helping shape the character and future of students.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.