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List of Civilian Awards in India is provided here. Explore the highest civilian awards in India categorized as per the degree of honor.
Civilian Awards in India: Awards in India are one of the highest forms of recognition and appreciation given by the Government of India to individuals for their exceptional service in various fields, including arts, science, public affairs, sports, and social work. These awards symbolize the nation’s gratitude to individuals who have made significant contributions to society. The Civilian Awards in India hold immense prestige and are divided into different categories based on the level of honor and contribution.
As of 2024, there are four primary categories of civilian awards in India: Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards rank according to the level of honor bestowed upon the recipient, with Bharat Ratna being the highest. Here is the rank of Civilian Awards in India:
| Award | Rank | Description |
| Bharat Ratna | 1st | Bharat Ratna remains the highest civilian award in India. |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2nd | It is the second-highest civilian award given to those who excelled in the arts, literature, public service, or sciences. |
| Padma Bhushan | 3rd | It is the third-highest civilian honor in India and is given for accomplishments in any field, excluding those employed by public sector organizations. |
| Padma Shri | 4th | It is the fourth-highest civilian award and is given to those with accomplishments in work done by government officials in a variety of fields. |
The Civilian Awards in India are categorized into four primary honors: Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards vary in terms of rank, with Bharat Ratna being the highest civilian award. Some awards are conferred for acts of bravery or lifetime achievements, while others recognize exceptional contributions to the nation’s progress and welfare.
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. It was instituted in 1954 and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields such as arts, literature, science, public service, and sports. The recipients of the Bharat Ratna are recommended by the Prime Minister to the President of India. As of 2024, only 53 individuals have received this prestigious award. The award includes a medallion and a certificate but does not carry any monetary grant.
A maximum of three people can be awarded the Bharat Ratna. However, in 2024, this award was given to five eminent personalities.
| Bharat Ratna 2024 | |
| Name | Contribution |
| Karpoori Thakur | 11th Chief Minister of Bihar; instituted the reservation policy for state government jobs, championing socio-economic equity. |
| L. K. Advani | Deputy Prime Minister of India (2002-2004); pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement; longest-serving Leader of Opposition in the Lower House of Parliament. |
| P. V. Narasimha Rao | 9th Prime Minister of India (1991-1996); initiated economic reforms, dismantled License Raj, and introduced New Economic Policy. |
| Charan Singh | 5th Prime Minister of India (1979-1980); focused on agrarian reforms and farmers’ rights. |
| M. S. Swaminathan | “Father of the Green Revolution in India”; revolutionized Indian agriculture as Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. |
Padma Awards are a set of three awards: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These are the second, third, and fourth-highest civilian awards in India, respectively. They are awarded to individuals across various disciplines, such as arts, education, literature, science, sports, medicine, and public service.
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service in any field, including government service. Recipients of this award are honored for their extraordinary contributions that have had a significant national or international impact.
Here is a list of notable Padma Vibhushan winners over the years, recognizing individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields such as arts, public service, science, and industry. The award is the second-highest civilian honor in India.
| Year | Recipient | Field |
| 2024 | Vyjayanthimala Bali | Art (Actor and Dancers) |
| 2023 | Sundar Pichai | Trade and Industry (Google CEO) |
| 2023 | Dilip Mahalanabis | Medicine (Pioneering work in ORS therapy) |
| 2023 | Zakir Hussain | Art (Tabla maestro, Music) |
| 2021 | Shinzo Abe | Public Affairs (Former Prime Minister of Japan) |
| 2021 | S. P. Balasubrahmanyam | Art (Playback singer) |
| 2020 | Mary Kom | Sports (Boxing) |
| 2019 | George Fernandes (Posthumous) | Public Affairs (Former Defence Minister of India) |
| 2019 | Arun Jaitley (Posthumous) | Public Affairs (Former Finance Minister of India) |
| 2019 | Anil Manibhai Naik | Trade and Industry (Chairman of Larsen & Toubro) |
| 2016 | Ramoji Rao | Literature and Education (Media) |
| 2016 | Rajinikanth | Art (Cinema) |
| 2015 | Amitabh Bachchan | Art (Cinema) |
| 2015 | Prathap C. Reddy | Medicine (Founder of Apollo Hospitals) |
| 2014 | Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar | Science and Engineering (Scientific Research) |
| 2011 | Asha Bhosle | Art (Playback singer) |
| 2011 | B. K. S. Iyengar | Yoga (Founder of Iyengar Yoga) |
| 2008 | Pandit Bhimsen Joshi | Art (Indian Classical Music – Vocalist) |
| 2001 | Lata Mangeshkar | Art (Playback singer) |
| 1999 | Amartya Sen | Literature and Education (Economics, Nobel Laureate) |
| 1992 | J. R. D. Tata | Trade and Industry (Industrialist) |
| 1990 | Mother Teresa | Social Work (Founder of the Missionaries of Charity) |
| 1985 | R. K. Narayan | Literature (Author, ‘Malgudi Days’) |
| 1972 | Satyajit Ray | Art (Film Director) |
| 1966 | Dr. Homi J. Bhabha (Posthumous) | Science and Engineering (Father of Indian Nuclear Program) |
| 1954 | S. Radhakrishnan | Public Affairs (Philosopher, Former President of India) |
The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India, awarded for distinguished service of a high order. This honor recognizes individuals for their impactful contributions at a national level. Below is a list of notable Padma Bhushan recipients, with a focus on their extraordinary contributions:
| Top 10 Notable Padma Bhushan Recipients | |||
| Year | Recipient | Field | Contribution |
| 2021 | Cyrus Poonawalla | Trade and Industry | Founder of Serum Institute of India, world’s largest vaccine producer |
| 2020 | Anand Mahindra | Trade and Industry | Industrialist, Chairman of Mahindra Group |
| 2019 | Shankar Mahadevan | Arts (Music) | Renowned Indian playback singer and composer |
| 2016 | Sania Mirza | Sports (Tennis) | Internationally acclaimed tennis player |
| 2015 | Bill Gates and Melinda Gates | Social Work | Philanthropy through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation |
| 2010 | Waheeda Rehman | Arts (Cinema) | Legendary actress in Indian cinema |
| 2008 | E. Sreedharan | Civil Service (Engineering) | Known as the “Metro Man” of India for his work on the Delhi Metro |
| 2005 | N. R. Narayana Murthy | Trade and Industry (IT) | Co-founder of Infosys, transforming India’s IT landscape |
| 2001 | Dr. Verghese Kurien | Public Affairs (Agriculture) | “Father of the White Revolution” in India, leading Operation Flood |
| 1992 | A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | Science and Engineering (Space) | Known as the “Missile Man” of India, former President of India |
The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India and is given for distinguished service in any field. It honors individuals whose work has been impactful at a grassroots or community level. Below is a list of top 10 notable Padma Shri recipients, showcasing individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective fields:
| Year | Recipient | Field |
| 2023 | Raveena Tandon | Arts (Cinema) |
| 2022 | Adnan Sami | Arts (Music) |
| 2022 | Divya Kala Bharti | Social Work |
| 2021 | Kangana Ranaut | Arts (Cinema) |
| 2021 | Manu Gulati | Education |
| 2020 | Karan Johar | Arts (Cinema) |
| 2019 | Gautam Gambhir | Sports (Cricket) |
| 2018 | Anuradha Paudwal | Arts (Music) |
| 2016 | Priyanka Chopra | Arts (Cinema/Global Impact) |
| 2016 | Saina Nehwal | Sports (Badminton) |
Civilian awards in India serve as a way to recognize and reward the efforts and accomplishments of individuals across different fields. Here’s the significance of Civilian Awards in India:
The selection process is stringent, with the Ministry of Home Affairs managing the nominations and final decisions made by the President of India based on recommendations.
Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 Civilian Awards in India and some additional highly esteemed honors, along with their recent winners.
1. Bharat Ratna
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, established in 1954. It recognizes individuals for exceptional service in fields like art, literature, science, and public service. It can be awarded posthumously
2. Padma Vibhushan
The Padma Vibhushan is the second-highest civilian award in India. It is awarded for “exceptional and distinguished service” in any field, including government service.
3. Padma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award, given for distinguished service of high order in any field. It also includes contributions to public service
4. Ashoka Chakra
The Ashoka Chakra is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, given for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
5. Param Vir Chakra
The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valor during wartime.
6. Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest award in Indian cinema, awarded for lifetime contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
7. Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honor, awarded annually to an author for outstanding contributions to literature in any Indian language.
8. Arjuna Award
The Arjuna Award recognizes outstanding achievement in national sports, established in 1961.
9. National Film Awards
The National Film Awards are presented by the Government of India to honor excellence in Indian cinema, including categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Feature Film.
10. Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi Award is given annually by the Sahitya Akademi to writers of the most outstanding books in various Indian languages.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the significance and structure of these awards is crucial, especially under the syllabus of polity, governance, and general knowledge. Questions related to “how many civilian awards are there in India” or identifying the “third-highest civilian award in India” are common in the civil services exam. Being well-versed in the details of these awards can add value to the aspirant’s preparation for competitive exams.
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