Government Announces National Teachers’ Awards 2026 for 48 Outstanding Teachers
Teachers from states, Union Territories and key educational institutions selected for their dedication to students and contribution to improving learning standards
NEW DELHI, Aug 21: The government on Friday announced the National Teachers’ Awards 2026, recognising 48 educators for their outstanding contribution to school education, literacy and the overall development of students.
The Department of School Education and Literacy has released the list of award recipients, representing different states and Union Territories as well as several educational organisations. The selected teachers include educators associated with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Sainik Schools, PM SHRI schools and Adarsha Tribal Schools, among other institutions.
The awardees include J Prakash Rao from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rajesh Kouluri from Andhra Pradesh, Yaku Tame from Arunachal Pradesh, Rajesh Bordoloi from Assam, Suman Goel from Delhi and Zafar Alam from Eklavya Model Residential Schools under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
The list further features Mahadev Hanamant Shinde from Goa, Nitin Kumar Mahendrakumar Pathak from Gujarat, Anil Kaushik from Haryana, Manjari V Mahajan from Himachal Pradesh, Mohd Ayaz Raina from Jammu and Kashmir and Archana Shukla from Madhya Pradesh.
Educators from Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim and Ladakh have also been selected for the national honour.
The awards recognise teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their profession and played a meaningful role in strengthening school education. Their efforts extend beyond classroom teaching, with a focus on supporting students, encouraging learning and contributing to better educational outcomes.
The Ministry of Education said the initiative aims to celebrate the distinctive contributions of some of the country’s finest teachers. It also seeks to acknowledge educators whose dedication has helped improve the quality of education while positively influencing the lives and development of their students.
The selection of teachers from diverse regions and educational institutions highlights the wide-ranging efforts being made across the country to promote effective teaching and inclusive learning.
Through the annual awards, the government seeks to place the achievements of dedicated educators in the spotlight and encourage excellence across India’s school education system.
