You can nominate yourself for a Padma Award till September 15, here's all you need to know

Nominations and recommendations for the upcoming Padma Awards are being accepted by the Indian government and will be open till September 15.

The Padma Awards — one of India's highest civilian honours — are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day. Every year, there are 120 awards handed out.

The awards are as follows:

• Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service
• Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order
• Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity

The eligibility criteria for the awards are pretty broad, which include any person in any occupation and position. The only caveat for the award is that Government servants - including those working with PSUs - except doctors and scientists, are ineligible.

Nominations are open to the public and a self-nomination is entirely acceptable, as long as award criteria are met. You can file nominations here.