New Delhi: India’s flagship recognition for civil servants is back with a sharper focus on innovation, inclusion, and grassroots impact. The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has notified the scheme for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025, inviting entries from Central ministries, states, and districts.
The web portal will open for nominations from October 2, 2025. A total of 16 awards will be given under the following categories:
• Category I: Holistic Development of Districts (5 awards)
• Category II: Aspirational Blocks Programme (5 awards)
• Category III: Innovations for Ministries/Departments, States and Districts (6 awards)
This year’s awards will reward governance models that are not only effective but also scalable and citizen-centric. The evaluation will be based on good governance practices, qualitative outcomes, and quantitative results, with a strong focus on last-mile delivery and saturation-based implementation.
Under PM Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, the scheme was overhauled in 2014 to encourage replication of best practices and institutional innovation. The 2025 edition continues that vision, seeking examples of governance that can lead India’s development journey.
Evaluation period:
• Category I: April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2025
• Category II & III: April 1, 2023 to September 30, 2025
Selection process: Shortlisting by Screening Committees → Review by Expert Committee → Final approval by Empowered Committee → PM’s endorsement
Each winner will receive a Trophy, a Scroll, and an incentive of ₹20 lakh, to be used for public welfare initiatives.
As India looks ahead to its 2047 goals, the PM’s Awards 2025 are not just recognition – they are a national call to action for bold and effective public administration. Eligible officers and institutions are encouraged to prepare and apply with focus and clarity. Let the nominations begin.
BI Bureau
