The 2026 Nobel Prize announcements begin on Monday, October 5, with physiology or medicine and continue through Monday, October 12, when the economics prize is announced. All six announcements will stream live through the official Nobel Prize digital channels.
This year's award is worth 12 million Swedish kronor in each category, an increase of 9% from the previous amount. The announcement week also marks 125 years since the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.
Nobel Prize 2026 announcement schedule in IST
The following India times convert the official Central European Summer Time schedule. “At the earliest” means the awarding institution may begin slightly later depending on its proceedings.
The authoritative schedule is published on the official Nobel Prize announcement page.
Where to watch the announcements
Nobel Prize Outreach says every announcement will be broadcast on its official digital channels. The official website is the safest starting point because it also publishes the press release, scientific explanation, biographies and interview material after each decision.
Viewers should be cautious with unofficial “winner” posts published before the awarding institution speaks. Nobel nominations are kept secret for 50 years, so a viral shortlist or betting favourite is not an official list of finalists.
The live announcement usually gives the laureate's name and a short description of the achievement. More detailed documents follow, which are important for understanding exactly what work was recognised and whether the prize is shared.
Who selects each Nobel Prize?
Different institutions choose the laureates:
- The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet selects the medicine prize
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences selects physics, chemistry and economic sciences
- The Swedish Academy selects the literature prize
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee selects the peace prize
The peace announcement is made in Oslo, while the other announcements are associated with Stockholm institutions. This division reflects Alfred Nobel's will and the later creation of the economics prize.
Is economics an original Nobel Prize?
Not technically. Alfred Nobel's will created prizes for physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. Sweden's central bank established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel in 1968.
It is announced and presented alongside the Nobel Prizes, but its full name preserves that distinction.
How much money does each winner receive?
The Nobel Foundation set the 2026 award at 12 million Swedish kronor per category, approximately $1.2 million depending on the exchange rate. When a prize is shared, the amount is divided according to the award decision rather than multiplied for every laureate.
Prize money is only one part of the award. Laureates also receive a medal and diploma, and the recognition can reshape research funding, book sales, public debate and institutional reputation.
When are the medals presented?
The October events announce the winners; they are not the main award ceremonies. Medals and diplomas are traditionally presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death.
Most categories are celebrated in Stockholm. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place in Oslo.
This timing explains why reports in October say a person “won” even though the physical medal is presented later. The awarding institution's decision is final at the announcement; December is the ceremonial presentation.
How the selection process works
Qualified nominators submit names, after which committees evaluate candidates and consult specialists. The awarding bodies make their decisions before the announcements. Self-nominations are not accepted, and the organisations do not publish current candidate lists.
The secrecy protects the process but also produces annual speculation. Predictions may be informed by a researcher's impact, an author's reputation or a peace campaign's prominence, yet they remain predictions.
MatchUpWorld's editorial policy explains why an official announcement should replace forecasts and social-media claims as soon as a laureate is named.
The schedule and institutional details were verified from NobelPrize.org, while the new award amount was cross-checked with Reuters' report on the 12-million-kronor prize.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first Nobel Prize announced in 2026?
Physiology or medicine is announced first, on October 5 at 3:00pm IST at the earliest.
When is the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize announced?
October 9 at 11:00am CEST, which is 2:30pm IST.
Can the public see the official nominee list?
No. Nomination records remain secret for 50 years.
