National Awards | General Awareness & Knowledge - Bank Exams PDF Download

Bharat Ratna

The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honor, first presented in 1954. The award features a design resembling a Peepal leaf, with "Bharat Ratna" inscribed in Devanagari script and the Sun emblem. On the reverse side, "Satyamev Jayate" is inscribed in Hindi along with the state emblem. The award is made of platinum, with inscriptions in burnished bronze. Note: The Padma Awards, including the Bharat Ratna, were suspended between 1977 and 1980 and again between 1992 and 1998.

Winners of Bharat Ratna

Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are presented annually on Republic Day (26th January) and include three categories:

Padma Vibhushan

• This is the second-highest national honor.
• It was established on 2nd January 1954 by the Government of India.
• It is awarded to individuals for exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in any field.

Padma Bhushan

• This is the third-highest national award.
• Instituted on 2nd January 1954 by the Government of India.
• It recognizes distinguished service of a high order to the nation across various fields.

Padma Shri

• This is the fourth-highest national award.
• Established on 2nd January 1954 by the Government of India.
• It acknowledges contributions by Indian citizens in various areas such as Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports, Social Service, and Public Life.

Military Awards

To be given on Republic Day (26th January)

Wartime Valour Awards

These awards are presented on Republic Day (26th January) to officers and enlisted personnel from all branches of the Indian Military for their bravery during wartime:

Param Vir Chakra

• Established on 26th January 1950, effective from 15th August 1947.
• Awarded by the Government of India.
• Recognizes the most conspicuous bravery, daring acts, or preeminent valor, often involving self-sacrifice.

Maha Vir Chakra

• Instituted on 26th January 1950, effective from 15th August 1947.
• Awarded by the Government of India.
• Honors acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.

Vir Chakra

• Established on 26th January 1950, effective from 15th August 1947.
• Awarded by the Government of India.
• Recognizes acts of bravery on the battlefield.

Recipient of Param Vir Chakra

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

Awarded Either to Military or Civilian Personnel