Seven Categories to Recognise Excellence
The National Awards for e-Governance 2026 cover seven distinct categories designed to capture innovation at multiple levels of governance. These categories span large-scale digital transformation projects to grassroots-level initiatives led by local bodies, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of India’s e-Governance landscape.
Category I focuses on Government Process Re-engineering through the use of technology for digital transformation, with four awards to be conferred. Category II recognises innovation through the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to deliver citizen-centric services, with three awards in this segment.
Focus on Cyber Security and District-Level Innovation
Category III highlights best practices and innovations in cyber security, acknowledging the critical importance of secure digital infrastructure in governance. Three awards will be presented under this category. Category IV is dedicated to district-level initiatives in e-Governance, with two awards recognising impactful projects implemented at the district administration level.
These categories reflect the government’s emphasis on strengthening digital systems while ensuring data security and resilience. District-level innovations, in particular, play a vital role in translating national digital policies into tangible outcomes for citizens.
Grassroots and Scalable Governance Models
Category V focuses on grassroots-level initiatives undertaken by Gram Panchayats or equivalent traditional local bodies to deepen and widen service delivery. Two awards will be conferred in this category, highlighting the role of local institutions in leveraging technology for inclusive governance.
Category VI recognises the replication and scaling of nationally awarded and mission-mode e-Governance projects by States, Union Territories and districts. One award will be presented in this category, encouraging the adoption of proven digital solutions across regions.
Data Analytics and Digital Platforms
The seventh category acknowledges digital transformation through the use of data analytics in digital platforms by Central Ministries, States and Union Territories. One award will be conferred in this segment, reflecting the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in governance.
Together, these categories aim to showcase best practices that can serve as benchmarks for other government entities, fostering a culture of continuous innovation and improvement in public service delivery.
Category-wise Nomination Break-up
The highest number of nominations were received under Category I, Government Process Re-engineering, with 341 entries. Category IV, District Level Initiatives in e-Governance, received 235 nominations, demonstrating strong participation from district administrations.
Category II received 104 nominations, while Category VII attracted 61 entries. Category VI recorded 38 nominations, and Category III received 23 nominations. Category V, focused on grassroots initiatives, witnessed extensive participation from local bodies, reflecting widespread engagement at the village level.
Multi-Stage Evaluation Process
The evaluation process for the National Awards for e-Governance 2026 will follow a rigorous multi-stage framework. Initially, applications will be shortlisted by a Screening Committee chaired by the Joint Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
This will be followed by spot studies conducted by Under Secretary-level officers of the Government of India. A second round of evaluation will be carried out by another Screening Committee, after which the Jury Committee, chaired by the Secretary, DARPG, will make the final recommendations.
Awards and Incentives
The National Awards for e-Governance 2026 will comprise a trophy, a certificate and a financial incentive. Gold awardees will receive an incentive of ₹10 lakh, while silver awardees will receive ₹5 lakh. The incentive amount is to be utilised by the winning department or organisation for implementing new projects, strengthening existing programmes or bridging gaps in public welfare.
By combining recognition with financial support, the awards aim to encourage sustained innovation and the scaling up of successful e-Governance initiatives across the country.
