The deadline for nominations for 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ is set to expire on Sunday.

Applications addressed to the National Awards Committee must be submitted to the President’s Office by 2pm, September 27.

Nomination forms have been made available from the front desk of the President’s Office during official working hours and for download on theirwebsite.

The 'President's National Award for Special Achievement’ will be conferred in four categories with the exclusion of a new category in line with a statement made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during his Republic Day address of 2019.

Individuals who have performed exceptionally well in the field of higher education and training are eligible for the first category whereas the second category is for those who excelled in an international competition or exhibition.

Individuals who have created innovative and effective solutions to persistent national issues through research, are eligible for the awards under the third category.

The fourth category is for those who have completed education certificates equivalent to MQA ranking levels of 7, 8, 9 and 10 with the highest-grade point, revealed the President’s Office.

The committee announced its decision to comply to the grading categories defined by the institutions from which applicants received their certificates while determining qualifications levels, as a major change which will be implemented from this year onward.

During his Republic Day address of 2019, the president shed light on the importance of celebrating youth who have had a profound impact on national development through their ingenuity, productivity and perseverance and recommended introducing a President's Award for Special Achievement for such individuals, this year.

In this regard, the committee included the special category for creative and innovative efforts recognized to have had a positive effect on national progress.

Those between 18 – 35 years of age are eligible for this award.

This year’s awards will be conferred during the National Day celebrations.