“The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves”- S. Radhakrishnan.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teachers’ Day.”
The National Teachers Award 2026 will recognize 82 educators from school education, higher education, polytechnics, and skill development mentors for their outstanding contributions to teaching, innovation, and student development. A total of 82 exceptional educators have been selected for the 2026 awards, comprising 48 school teachers (26 male and 22 female), 21 higher education faculty members, and 13 skill development mentors.
The 48 school awardees include Rathnakumari S from Karnataka. Their work reflects innovative teaching, scientific curiosity, technology-based learning, community engagement, and initiatives supporting students’ overall well-being.
Karnataka will also be represented in the higher education category by Ms. Shivani V. of Karnataka Sanskrit University, selected in Sanskrit, and Dr Vishwanatha H. S. of M.E.I. Polytechnic, Bengaluru, selected for civil engineering. The 21 higher education and polytechnic awardees comprise 12 faculty members from central HEIs, five from state universities, and four from polytechnics, recognizing excellence in teaching-learning, research, innovation, outreach, and faculty development.
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 5, 2026, marking Teachers’ Day. The higher education and polytechnic categories were introduced in 2023, expanding national recognition of excellence across India’s education ecosystem.
