Every year, India celebrates children who do something truly remarkable. Some save lives. Some protect nature. Others shine in sports, science, art, or social work. The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is the country’s highest civilian honour for children, and it recognises courage, talent, kindness, and leadership at a very young age. So, if you know a child who has made a real difference, or if you are one yourself, this guide by The Junior Age explains exactly how to apply, step by step, simply and clearly.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (Prime Minister’s National Child Award) is India’s highest civilian honor for children, recognizing exceptional achievements in diverse fields such as innovation, sports, art, culture, social service, and bravery. It celebrates young citizens’ contributions to society and the nation’s development.
Key facts:
- Introduced: 1996 (revamped as Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in 2018)
- Presented by: President of India
- Organized by: Ministry of Women and Child Development (India)
- Age eligibility: 5 to 18 years
- Award components: Medal, certificate, cash prize, and public recognition
Originally instituted as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement, the program was restructured in 2018 to merge multiple child honours under a unified framework. The award was renamed Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, reflecting a national effort to spotlight youth talent and valour through an integrated recognition system.
Categories of Recognition
The award covers two main streams:
1. Bal Shakti Puraskar – Honors individual excellence in innovation, scholastic achievement, sports, art and culture, social service, and bravery.
2. Bal Kalyan Puraskar – Recognizes individuals and organizations contributing to child welfare.
Selection and Ceremony
Awardees are selected through a rigorous process involving district and state-level screening, followed by a national committee’s evaluation. Each year, recipients are honored in a formal ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, usually around Republic Day (India), and may also interact with the Prime Minister of India.
Who Can Apply for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar?
To apply, the child must meet these conditions:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Must be below 18 years of age on 31 July of the award year
- Must have done something exceptional that helps others or brings pride to the country
Here’s the good news.
Children can apply themselves, or they can be nominated by parents, teachers, schools, organisations, or even individuals.
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar – Award Categories
The awards are given in different fields, so talent of every kind gets recognised.
- Bravery: Acts of courage, saving lives, standing up against danger
- Sports: National or international level achievements
- Social Service: Helping communities, fighting social problems
- Science & Technology:Innovations, inventions, research ideas
- Environment: Protecting nature, wildlife, or climate action
- Art & Culture: Music, dance, painting, theatre, literature
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Applications are accepted only through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal. It is the single window for nominations and applications.
Step 2: Register on the Portal
- Create an account using a mobile number or email ID
- Verify using the OTP sent to you
Parents or guardians can help younger children with this step.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
- Child’s personal details
- Address and contact information
- Category of award
- Detailed description of the achievement
Tip: Write clearly. Explain what was done, why it matters, and how it helped others.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents for Proof
- Certificates or medals
- News reports or articles
- Photos or videos
- Letters of recommendation
All documents should be clear and genuine.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Once everything is checked, apply online. Late entries are not accepted, so keep an eye on dates. The standard deadline for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) is typically July 31st each year, with nominations opening April 1st on the official portal.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Applications are screened by experts
- Shortlisted entries are verified carefully
- Final winners are approved at the national level
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) winners are typically announced on December 26th (Veer Bal Diwas), with the awards presented by the President of India at a ceremony in January, usually around Republic Day week
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