The Prime Minister National Talent Award (Nepali : प्रधानमन्त्री राष्ट्रिय प्रतिभा पुरस्कार) is a prestigious recognition conferred by the Government of Nepal to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in different fields. This award aims to acknowledge and encourage outstanding talents whose work has had a significant impact on their respective fields and the nation.
Background.
This award was established by the Cabinet in December 3, 2018 and is presented annually to two individuals chosen based on their remarkable achievements and contributions to the progress of Nepal. Each recipient is honored with a cash prize of NPR 500,000, the highest cash prize awarded by the government of Nepal.
The award fund was created with a $100,000 grant from the South Korean government, received by the then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and an additional $100,000 from the Nepal government. This fund ensures the continuity of the awards.
First Edition of the Award.
In 2019, the award was presented to three recipients. Notable Nepali ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit, along with Radi Miya (Agricultural Innovation) and Bikalpa Dhungana (Inventions –Solar Scooter, Smart Traffic Mask), received this honor for the first time. Dr. Ruit was awarded NPR 5 lakh, while Radi Miya and Bikalpa Dhungana each received NPR 2.5 lakh.
After a five-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announced the resumption of the award in 2025. To compensate for the missed years (2020–2024 AD), ten recipients were selected, with two individuals for each year.
Eligibility Criteria.
Nominees must be Nepali citizens with high moral character and no record of abuse of authority. Additionally, the individual should have made significant contributions in the fields of peace, good governance, professional proficiency, scientific inquiry, research, and nation-building. Furthermore, the candidate must have resided throughout Nepal, thereby greatly enhancing the nation’s international reputation by showcasing their talent on both national and international platforms. 
Selection Process.
The application process is announced by the Prime Minister's Office, inviting nominations from both organizational and non-organizational entities. Applications are reviewed by the award committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office. Shortlisted candidates are then recommended by the Chief Secretary to the Cabinet, which makes the final decision on the award recipient.