India gives several national awards in civilian, military, literary and sports fields. Questions often ask the highest award in a field or who confers it. The President of India confers most of these honours.
Civilian Awards
- Highest civilian award: Bharat Ratna
- Other civilian awards in order: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri
- Padma awards were instituted in 1954
- Bharat Ratna can be awarded in any field of human endeavour
Gallantry Awards
- Highest wartime gallantry award: Param Vir Chakra
- Other wartime awards: Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra
- Highest peacetime gallantry award: Ashoka Chakra
- Other peacetime awards: Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra
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Field-Specific Awards
- Highest sports award: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
- Award for coaches: Dronacharya Award
- Highest literary award: Jnanpith Award
- Highest film award: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Agriculture and rural development: Krishi Karman Award
Other Honours
- Arjuna Award: given for outstanding performance in sports
- Sahitya Akademi Award: for literature in recognised languages
- Gandhi Peace Prize: for social, economic and political work for peace
Quick Revision Points
- Highest civilian award: Bharat Ratna.
- Padma awards order: Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri.
- Highest wartime gallantry award: Param Vir Chakra.
- Highest peacetime gallantry award: Ashoka Chakra.
- Highest sports award: Khel Ratna.
- Highest literary award: Jnanpith.
- Highest film award: Dadasaheb Phalke.
- Padma awards instituted: 1954.