Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026: Call for Nominations

To recognise exceptional lifetime contributions in statistics, the Government of India has invited nominations for the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics – 2026. Instituted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the award honours eminent Indian statisticians whose work has significantly strengthened the system of official statistics in India.

About the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics

• The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics was instituted in the year 2000 and is conferred once every two years. It is named in honour of Prof. P. V. Sukhatme, a pioneer of modern statistics in India.
• The award aims to encourage high-quality research and sustained contributions that enhance data quality, methodology, and credibility of official statistics.

The award is open to eminent Indian statisticians aged 45 years and above, recognising their lifetime achievements and scholarly impact in the field of statistics.

Who Can Apply and How?

• Nominations for the 2026 edition have been invited online through the National Awards Portal.
• Eligible candidates may nominate themselves, or their names can be proposed by institutions or organisations associated with statistics, research, or public policy.
• The last date for submission of nominations/applications is January 31, 2026. Applicants are advised to ensure timely submission, as no extensions are usually granted.

Award Ceremony and Recognition

• The award will be presented during the Statistics Day Event on June 29, 2026, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Prof. P. V. Sukhatme.
• On this occasion, the awardee will be invited to deliver a session highlighting the significance and impact of their work, making it a knowledge-sharing platform for policymakers, researchers, and students.

What Does the Award Carry?

• The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics carries both symbolic honour and academic recognition.
• It includes a citation, a shawl, and a memento.
• Though it does not carry a cash component, its prestige makes it one of the highest recognitions in the field of statistics in India.

Key Facts at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Award Name	Sukhatme National Award in Statistics
Instituted By	Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Started In	2000
Frequency	Biennial (alternate years)
Eligibility	Indian statisticians, 45 years & above
Last Date for Nominations	Award Ceremony Statistics Day – 29 June 2026
Award Components	Citation, shawl, memento

Question

Q. The Sukhatme National Award in Statistics is instituted by which ministry?

A. Ministry of Education
B. Ministry of Science and Technology
C. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
D. NITI Aayog