Bharat Ratna
Civilian honorIndiaHighest civilian honour of India
India's highest civilian award.
Started
1954
Timing
Conferred when announced
Presented by
President of India
Reference data
Awards
A compact index of major awards connected to Indian public life, culture, service, sports, and global recognition.
Award Reference Index
Compare each award by field, scope, purpose, presenting body, and award timing.
Padma Vibhushan
Civilian honorIndiaSecond-highest civilian honour of India
The second-highest civilian award in India.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
President of India
Padma Bhushan
Civilian honorIndiaThird-highest civilian honour of India
A major civilian honour in the Padma Awards series.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
President of India
Padma Shri
Civilian honorIndiaFourth-highest civilian honour of India
A civilian honour in the Padma Awards series.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
President of India
Param Vir Chakra
Also known as PVC
GallantryIndiaHighest wartime gallantry award
India's highest wartime gallantry award.
Started
1950
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Maha Vir Chakra
Also known as MVC
GallantryIndiaSecond-highest wartime gallantry award
India's second-highest wartime gallantry award.
Started
1950
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Vir Chakra
Also known as VrC
GallantryIndiaThird-highest wartime gallantry award
India's third-highest wartime gallantry award.
Started
1950
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Ashoka Chakra
GallantryIndiaHighest peacetime gallantry award
India's highest peacetime gallantry award.
Started
1952
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Kirti Chakra
GallantryIndiaSecond-highest peacetime gallantry award
India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Started
1952
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Shaurya Chakra
GallantryIndiaThird-highest peacetime gallantry award
India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award.
Started
1952
Timing
Republic Day and Independence Day announcements
Presented by
President of India
Ramon Magsaysay Award
Public serviceAsia
An Asian public-service award recognizing leadership, service, and practical idealism.
Started
1958
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation
Gandhi Peace Prize
Public serviceGlobal
An international award instituted by the Government of India to honour Gandhian public service.
Started
1995
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Government of India
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
Also known as PBSA
DiasporaGlobal
The highest Indian honour for overseas Indians and overseas Indian institutions.
Started
2003
Timing
At Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conventions
Presented by
President of India
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Also known as PMRBP
Civilian honorIndia
India's national honour for children with exceptional achievements.
Started
1996
Timing
Annual
Presented by
President of India
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Also known as Khel Ratna
SportsIndiaHighest sporting honour of India
India's highest sporting honour.
Started
1991-92
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Arjuna Award
SportsIndia
A national sports award for consistent sporting excellence.
Started
1961
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Dronacharya Award
SportsIndia
India's national award for outstanding coaches in sports and games.
Started
1985
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Major Dhyan Chand Award
SportsIndia
A lifetime-achievement sports honour named after hockey player Major Dhyan Chand.
Started
2002
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy
Also known as MAKA Trophy
SportsIndia
A rolling trophy for universities with strong all-round sports performance.
Started
1956-57
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award
Also known as TNNAA
SportsIndia
India's highest national recognition for adventure achievements.
Started
1993-94
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Jnanpith Award
LiteratureIndia
A major Indian literary award administered by Bharatiya Jnanpith.
Started
1961
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Bharatiya Jnanpith
Moortidevi Award
LiteratureIndia
A Bharatiya Jnanpith literary award for a work by a living author.
Started
1982
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Bharatiya Jnanpith
Sahitya Akademi Award
LiteratureIndia
An annual literary award from India's National Academy of Letters.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Sahitya Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
Also known as Akademi Ratna
Performing artsIndiaHighest Sangeet Natak Akademi honour
The fellowship honour of India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Sangeet Natak Akademi
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Also known as Akademi Puraskar
Performing artsIndia
A national recognition for practicing artists, gurus, scholars, and contributors in performing arts.
Started
1952
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Sangeet Natak Akademi
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
CinemaIndiaHighest Indian cinema honour
India's highest award in cinema, presented at the National Film Awards.
Started
1969
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Government of India
National Film Awards
CinemaIndia
India's national film awards across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema.
Started
1954
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Government of India
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize
Also known as SSB Prize
Science and technologyIndia
A major Indian science and technology prize named after CSIR founder-director Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
Started
1958
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction
Also known as UN Sasakawa Award
Public serviceGlobal
A global disaster-risk-reduction award recognizing inclusive and resilient approaches aligned with the Sendai Framework.
Started
1986
Timing
Periodic
Presented by
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Nippon Foundation
Nobel Prize
InternationalGlobal
A global set of prizes established from Alfred Nobel's will, with a later economics prize added in memory of Nobel.
Started
1901
Timing
Annual
Presented by
Nobel Prize-awarding institutions
| Award | Field | Scope | Awarded for | Presented by | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian honor | India | Exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. | President of India | 1954 Conferred when announced | |
Padma Vibhushan Padma AwardsSecond-highest civilian honour of India The second-highest civilian award in India. Padma Awards | Civilian honor | India | Exceptional and distinguished service. | President of India | 1954 Annual |
Padma Bhushan Padma AwardsThird-highest civilian honour of India A major civilian honour in the Padma Awards series. Padma Awards | Civilian honor | India | Distinguished service of a high order. | President of India | 1954 Annual |
Padma Shri Padma AwardsFourth-highest civilian honour of India A civilian honour in the Padma Awards series. Padma Awards | Civilian honor | India | Distinguished service in any field. | President of India | 1954 Annual |
Param Vir Chakra Also known as PVC Chakra Gallantry AwardsHighest wartime gallantry award India's highest wartime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. | President of India | 1950 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Maha Vir Chakra Also known as MVC Chakra Gallantry AwardsSecond-highest wartime gallantry award India's second-highest wartime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy. | President of India | 1950 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Vir Chakra Also known as VrC Chakra Gallantry AwardsThird-highest wartime gallantry award India's third-highest wartime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy. | President of India | 1950 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Ashoka Chakra Chakra Gallantry AwardsHighest peacetime gallantry award India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Most conspicuous bravery, daring, or self-sacrifice away from direct action with the enemy. | President of India | 1952 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Kirti Chakra Chakra Gallantry AwardsSecond-highest peacetime gallantry award India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Conspicuous gallantry away from direct action with the enemy. | President of India | 1952 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Shaurya Chakra Chakra Gallantry AwardsThird-highest peacetime gallantry award India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award. Gallantry Awards | Gallantry | India | Gallantry, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from direct action with the enemy. | President of India | 1952 Republic Day and Independence Day announcements |
Ramon Magsaysay Award Asian public-service awards An Asian public-service award recognizing leadership, service, and practical idealism. Ramon Magsaysay Award | Public service | Asia | Selfless service and transformative leadership for peoples of Asia. | Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation | 1958 Annual |
Gandhi Peace Prize Peace and public-service awards An international award instituted by the Government of India to honour Gandhian public service. Ministry of Culture | Public service | Global | Social, economic, and political transformation through non-violence and Gandhian methods. | Government of India | 1995 Annual |
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Also known as PBSA Diaspora awards The highest Indian honour for overseas Indians and overseas Indian institutions. Ministry of External Affairs | Diaspora | Global | Exceptional and meritorious contribution by overseas Indians or overseas Indian institutions. | President of India | 2003 At Pravasi Bharatiya Divas conventions |
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Also known as PMRBP Children's honours India's national honour for children with exceptional achievements. National Awards Portal | Civilian honor | India | Exceptional achievements by children in areas such as bravery, social service, environment, sports, art and culture, and science and technology. | President of India | 1996 Annual |
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Also known as Khel Ratna National Sports AwardsHighest sporting honour of India India's highest sporting honour. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Sports | India | Most spectacular and outstanding sporting performance over a four-year period. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 1991-92 Annual |
Arjuna Award National Sports Awards A national sports award for consistent sporting excellence. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Sports | India | Outstanding achievements in sports at international levels. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 1961 Annual |
Dronacharya Award National Sports Awards India's national award for outstanding coaches in sports and games. National Sports Awards | Sports | India | Outstanding and meritorious coaching work that enables sportspersons to excel. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 1985 Annual |
Major Dhyan Chand Award National Sports Awards A lifetime-achievement sports honour named after hockey player Major Dhyan Chand. National Sports Awards | Sports | India | Lifetime contribution to sports and games. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 2002 Annual |
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy Also known as MAKA Trophy National Sports Awards A rolling trophy for universities with strong all-round sports performance. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Sports | India | Best overall university performance in sports. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 1956-57 Annual |
Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award Also known as TNNAA National Sports and Adventure Awards India's highest national recognition for adventure achievements. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | Sports | India | Outstanding achievements in adventure on land, sea, and air. | Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | 1993-94 Annual |
Jnanpith Award Bharatiya Jnanpith awards A major Indian literary award administered by Bharatiya Jnanpith. Jnanpith | Literature | India | Outstanding contribution to Indian literature. | Bharatiya Jnanpith | 1961 Annual |
Moortidevi Award Bharatiya Jnanpith awards A Bharatiya Jnanpith literary award for a work by a living author. Jnanpith | Literature | India | Contemplative and perceptive literary work rooted in Indian philosophy and cultural heritage. | Bharatiya Jnanpith | 1982 Annual |
Sahitya Akademi Award Sahitya Akademi awards An annual literary award from India's National Academy of Letters. Sahitya Akademi Awards | Literature | India | Outstanding books of literary merit in languages recognized by the Akademi. | Sahitya Akademi | 1954 Annual |
Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship Also known as Akademi Ratna Sangeet Natak Akademi honoursHighest Sangeet Natak Akademi honour The fellowship honour of India's National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. Sangeet Natak Akademi | Performing arts | India | Lifetime distinction in performing arts. | Sangeet Natak Akademi | 1954 Annual |
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award Also known as Akademi Puraskar Sangeet Natak Akademi honours A national recognition for practicing artists, gurus, scholars, and contributors in performing arts. Sangeet Natak Akademi | Performing arts | India | Contribution to music, dance, theatre, traditional arts, puppetry, and performing-arts scholarship. | Sangeet Natak Akademi | 1952 Annual |
Dadasaheb Phalke Award National Film AwardsHighest Indian cinema honour India's highest award in cinema, presented at the National Film Awards. Directorate of Film Festivals | Cinema | India | Outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. | Government of India | 1969 Annual |
National Film Awards National Film Awards India's national film awards across feature films, non-feature films, and writing on cinema. National Film Awards | Cinema | India | Excellence in cinematic achievements for Indian cinema. | Government of India | 1954 Annual |
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize Also known as SSB Prize Science and technology awards A major Indian science and technology prize named after CSIR founder-director Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize | Science and technology | India | Notable and outstanding scientific research, applied or fundamental. | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | 1958 Annual |
United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction Also known as UN Sasakawa Award DRR awards A global disaster-risk-reduction award recognizing inclusive and resilient approaches aligned with the Sendai Framework. UNDRR: Sasakawa Award | Public service | Global | Active efforts to reduce disaster risk and advocate resilient communities. | United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Nippon Foundation | 1986 Periodic |
Nobel Prize Nobel Prizes A global set of prizes established from Alfred Nobel's will, with a later economics prize added in memory of Nobel. NobelPrize.org | International | Global | Contributions in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, peace, and economic sciences. | Nobel Prize-awarding institutions | 1901 Annual |
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National Awards PortalMinistry of Home Affairs - Bharat Ratna listPadma AwardsPadma Awards - About AwardsGallantry AwardsPIB - Gallantry Awards portal launchRamon Magsaysay AwardRamon Magsaysay Awardees - IndiaMinistry of CulturePIB - Gandhi Peace Prize
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Ministry of External AffairsNational Awards PortalPresident of India - PMRBPNational Awards Portal - PMRBPMinistry of Youth Affairs and SportsMinistry of Youth Affairs and SportsNational Sports Awards - Arjuna AwardsNational Sports AwardsMinistry of Youth Affairs and SportsMYAS - MAKA Trophy schemeMinistry of Youth Affairs and SportsJnanpithJnanpithJnanpith - Moortidevi selection processSahitya Akademi AwardsSangeet Natak AkademiSangeet Natak Akademi AwardeesDirectorate of Film FestivalsPresident of India - 71st National Film AwardsNational Film AwardsDirectorate of Film Festivals - National Film AwardsShanti Swarup Bhatnagar PrizeCSIR-HRDG - SSB PrizeUNDRR: Sasakawa AwardPIB: UNDRR confers Sasakawa Award 2019 to Dr P.K. MishraNobelPrize.orgNobelPrize.org - All Nobel Prizes