Skip to main content
Loading page, please wait…
HomeCurrent AffairsEditorialsGovt SchemesLearning ResourcesUPSC SyllabusPricingAboutBest UPSC AIUPSC AI ToolAI for UPSCUPSC ChatGPT

© 2026 Vaidra. All rights reserved.

PrivacyTerms
Vaidra Logo
Vaidra

Top 4 items + smart groups

UPSC GPT
New
Current Affairs
Daily Solutions
Daily Puzzle
Mains Evaluator

Version 2.0.0 • Built with ❤️ for UPSC aspirants

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar — Govt Scheme for UPSC | Vaidra
  1. Home
  2. Prepare
  3. Government Schemes
  4. Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar

Ministry of Women and Child DevelopmentactivesocialLaunched: 2018-01-01

About the Scheme

National award scheme to recognize exceptional achievements of children in various categories including innovation, academics, sports, arts and culture, social service, and bravery.

Target Beneficiaries: 10,000 exceptional children (below 18 years) annually receiving national recognition through Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for outstanding achievements in innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, and bravery

Implementing Agency: Ministry of Women and Child Development

Official Website →

✦Key Features

  • Awarded annually on Republic Day by the President of India.
  • Recognizes children in six categories: Innovation, Scholastic Achievements, Sports, Arts & Culture, Social Service, and Bravery.
  • Each awardee receives a medal, a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000, a certificate, and a citation.
  • Open to Indian citizens below 18 years of age.
  • Recipients are invited to participate in the Republic Day parade and other national events.

✓Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Must be below 18 years of age on the last date of application/nomination.
  • Must have achieved outstanding distinction in one of the specified award categories.

★Benefits

  • National recognition and honour for exceptional achievements.
  • Financial support through the cash prize to encourage further development.
  • Serves as an inspiration for peers and future generations.
  • Provides a platform for young achievers to gain national prominence.

▶Application Process

  • Applications/nominations are invited online through the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in).
  • Nominations can be made by individuals, institutions, or government departments.
  • Screening and shortlisting of applications are conducted by a designated committee.
  • Final selection is made by a National Selection Committee headed by the Minister for Women and Child Development.

₹ Budget Allocation

5

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): 100% Central Government (Ministry of Women and Child Development).

Exam Relevance

GS Paper: GS2

Prelims Relevance7%
Mains Relevance6%

Syllabus Tags

Child rights and protectionYouth development initiativesGovernment recognition and awardsInnovation and entrepreneurshipSports promotion in IndiaArt and culture promotionSocial justice and welfare schemes

Historical Context

Previously known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement; revamped in 2018 to become PMRBP.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Children above 18 years of age.
  • Children who are not Indian citizens residing in India.

Sub-Schemes

Bal Shakti Puraskar

Awarded to children for exceptional achievement in various fields.

Bal Kalyan Puraskar

Awarded to individuals or institutions for outstanding service to children.

Challenges

  • Ensuring regional and linguistic diversity in the selection of awardees.
  • Preventing the award from becoming overly focused on academic or elite sports achievement.
  • Verifying bravery claims in remote areas without digital footprints.

Reforms & Recommendations

  • Introducing a 'People's Choice' category to increase public engagement.
  • Ensuring a mandatory quota or focus for children from underprivileged or tribal backgrounds.
  • Providing a long-term mentorship program for award winners.

Performance Statistics

Metric

~25-30 children

Source: MWCD

Metric

INR 1,00,000

Source: PIB

Critical Analysis

The PMRBP is the highest national honor for children, serving as a powerful tool for social motivation. By recognizing excellence across diverse fields—from bravery to innovation—it shifts the national focus toward youth potential. The recent restructuring (merging Bal Shakti and Bal Kalyan) has streamlined the award process. While it is highly prestigious, the selection process is often criticized for being 'urban-centric'. Increasing outreach to rural and tribal areas is essential to ensure the award truly reflects India's diverse talent.

SDG Linkages

SDG 4: Quality EducationSDG 5: Gender EqualitySDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Constitutional Backing

Article 39(f) (Opportunities for children to develop in a healthy manner)Article 51A (Fundamental Duties - striving towards excellence)

Technology Used

Centralized National Awards Portal for applicationsBlockchain-based digital certificates (introduced recently)

Success Stories

From Awardee to Entrepreneur

Key Takeaways

  • Two categories: Bal Shakti Puraskar (Individuals) and Bal Kalyan Puraskar (Institutions/Individuals).
  • Award includes a medal, a cash prize of INR 1 Lakh, and a certificate.
  • Awards are conferred by the President of India during Republic Day week.
  • Categories: Innovation, Scholastic, Sports, Art & Culture, Social Service, and Bravery.

Probable Questions

Evaluate the significance of national-level awards in promoting innovation and social service among Indian children.

EasyLow

Mains Answer Fodder

Use this scheme in GS2/GS4 to discuss 'Role Models in Society', 'Empowering the Youth', and 'Child Rights'. It can be a concluding example of how the State incentivizes positive social behavior and excellence.

Convergence Schemes

  • National Awards Portal
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
  • Khelo India

Sector Tags

Social JusticeChildrenAwards