The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has officially notified the Scheme for Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025. This prestigious initiative recognizes outstanding contributions by civil servants and promotes good governance practices nationwide.
Focus on Holistic Development and Innovation
This year, the scheme includes 16 awards across three key categories. Each category reflects the government’s emphasis on last-mile delivery, data-backed implementation, and citizen-centric governance.
- Category I: Holistic Development of Districts (5 Awards)
- Category II: Aspirational Blocks Programme (5 Awards)
- Category III: Innovations across Ministries, States, and Districts (6 Awards)
The awards encourage district collectors and administrators to implement programs using a saturation approach and qualitative impact rather than just numbers.
The official portal for submitting nominations will launch on October 2, 2025. From there, districts and departments can submit their applications, backed by documentary evidence, success metrics, and impact stories.
The consideration period for awards will span:
- Category I: April 1, 2022 – September 30, 2025
- Category II & III: April 1, 2023 – September 30, 2025
Transparent and Rigorous Evaluation
The evaluation will take place in three phases:
- Initial shortlisting by a screening committee (two stages)
- Final assessment by an expert committee
- Approval by the Prime Minister upon recommendation from the Empowered Committee
This layered evaluation ensures fairness, transparency, and credibility in the award process.
What Do Winners Receive?
Each award includes:
- A prestigious trophy
- An official scroll of recognition
- A cash incentive of ₹20 lakh to the district or organization
The cash grant must be used for public welfare projects or to bridge critical resource gaps in ongoing programs.
Award Scheme’s Transformative Journey Since 2014
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the scheme has evolved since 2014 into a tool for constructive competition, innovation, and replication of best practices. Emphasis is now placed on qualitative outcomes, governance reforms, and inclusive delivery.
By evaluating civil servants on parameters such as Good Governance, Qualitative Transformation, and Quantitative Reach, the scheme promotes a balanced and progressive approach to public service.
Driving India’s Administrative Excellence
Through this initiative, the government encourages all districts and ministries to strive for excellence. The awards motivate officers to go beyond routine implementation and instead innovate, collaborate, and deliver lasting change on the ground.
Thousands of citizens benefit when policy meets passion and execution. And these awards aim to reward exactly that — service that inspires.
Conclusion
As nominations open this October, the PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2025 will highlight stories of impact and integrity. From aspirational blocks to innovative ministries, the scheme will once again spotlight India’s best public service performers.