Awards in India: Civilian Awards, Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards (Part 1)
India recognizes exceptional individuals through various national awards for their remarkable contributions to society, science, literature, arts, public service, sports, and national security. These awards not only honour excellence but also inspire future generations to serve the nation with dedication and integrity. Awards in India is an important Static GK topic and is frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, Defence, State PCS, and other competitive examinations.
The two major categories of Awards in India are:
- Civilian Awards
- Gallantry Awards
In this article, PrepUpdate explains the complete details of Civilian Awards, including Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
Table of Contents
- Civilian Awards in India
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
- Difference Between Bharat Ratna & Padma Awards
- Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- PDF Download
Civilian Awards in India
Civilian Awards are the highest national honours given by the Government of India to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in different fields. These awards recognize excellence in literature, science, arts, social work, medicine, sports, public affairs, education, industry, civil service, and several other disciplines.
These prestigious awards were introduced in 1954 and are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day (26 January). The awards are presented by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Categories of Civilian Awards in India
Civilian Awards are divided into four categories according to their order of prestige.
| Rank | Award | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bharat Ratna | Highest Civilian Award |
| 2 | Padma Vibhushan | Exceptional and Distinguished Service |
| 3 | Padma Bhushan | Distinguished Service of High Order |
| 4 | Padma Shri | Distinguished Service in Any Field |
Features of Civilian Awards
- Introduced in 1954
- Announced every year before Republic Day.
- Presented by the President of India.
- Awarded without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender.
- Foreign nationals can also receive these awards in special cases.
- The awards do not carry any cash prize.
Bharat Ratna
What is Bharat Ratna?
Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
Initially, the award recognized achievements in:
- Arts
- Literature
- Science
- Public Services
Later, the scope was expanded to include all fields of human endeavour, including sports. In 2014, Sachin Tendulkar became the first sportsperson to receive the Bharat Ratna.
Bharat Ratna Medal Design
The Bharat Ratna medal has a unique and elegant design.
- Shape resembles a Peepal Leaf
- Bronze-toned medal
- Platinum Sun symbol engraved on the front
- “Bharat Ratna” written in Devanagari script
- State Emblem and National Motto engraved on the reverse side
Important Facts about Bharat Ratna
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1954 |
| Highest Civilian Award | Yes |
| Awarded By | President of India |
| Cash Prize | No |
| Maximum Awards Per Year | Normally Three |
| First Recipients | C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. C. V. Raman |
Eligibility for Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna may be awarded for outstanding contributions in:
- Science
- Literature
- Arts
- Sports
- Public Affairs
- Social Service
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Any field of human endeavour
Both Indian citizens and foreign nationals may receive the award.
Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honours after the Bharat Ratna. Every year, these awards recognize individuals for distinguished contributions in diverse fields such as education, medicine, literature, sports, social work, public affairs, science, engineering, trade, industry, and civil service.
The Padma Awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day and presented by the President of India.
The Padma Awards consist of three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
Padma Vibhushan
What is Padma Vibhushan?
Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian award. It is presented for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including public affairs, science, engineering, medicine, literature, arts, sports, and social work.
This award recognizes individuals whose contributions have had a significant national or international impact.
Medal Design
- Circular bronze medal
- Lotus flower embossed in the centre
- “Padma” and “Vibhushan” inscribed in Devanagari
- State Emblem on the reverse side
Padma Bhushan
What is Padma Bhushan?
Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India. It honours individuals who have rendered distinguished service of a high order in any discipline.
The award covers contributions in:
- Science
- Engineering
- Literature
- Medicine
- Arts
- Sports
- Public Affairs
- Civil Services
- Social Work
Medal Design
The medal closely resembles the Padma Vibhushan but features gold-toned embossing with a lotus flower at the centre.
Padma Shri
What is Padma Shri?
Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award. It recognizes distinguished contributions across a wide range of fields including education, healthcare, agriculture, sports, arts, literature, science, industry, social work, and public service.
Thousands of eminent personalities from diverse backgrounds have been honoured with the Padma Shri since its inception.
Medal Design
- Circular medal with geometric pattern
- Lotus flower in the centre
- “Padma” and “Shri” written in Devanagari
- Bronze outer rim with stainless steel embossing
Difference Between Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards
| Feature | Bharat Ratna | Padma Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Highest Civilian Award | Second, Third & Fourth Highest |
| Introduced | 1954 | 1954 |
| Categories | Single Award | Three Categories |
| Awarded For | Exceptional Service of Highest Order | Distinguished Service |
| Maximum Awards | Normally 3 per year | No fixed number |
Important Exam Facts
- Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour in India.
- Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award.
- Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award.
- Civilian Awards were instituted in 1954.
- These awards are announced on Republic Day.
- The President of India presents all Civilian Awards.