The Indian honours system is the system of awards given to individuals for a variety of services to the Republic of India. Here are all of them:
The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954. Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender is eligible for this award. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954. Except for brief interruptions during the years 1977 to 1980 and 1993 to 1997, these awards have been announced every year on Republic Day. The award is given in three categories, viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in the decreasing order of importance.
Padma Vibhushan for "exceptional and distinguished service".
Padma Bhushan for "distinguished service of a high order".
Padma Shri is awarded for "distinguished service".
This award seeks to recognize work of any distinction and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields of activities/disciplines, such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry, etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards.
Param Vir Chakra — Highest military award for, equivalent to the Victoria Cross (which was replaced once India gained its independence).
Maha Vir Chakra – The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest military decoration in India and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.
Vir Chakra – Third in precedence in the awards for wartime gallantry
Ashok Chakra Award – An Indian military decoration awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. It is the peacetime equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra.
Kirti Chakra – Second in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.
Shaurya Chakra – Third in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry awards.
Wartime/Peacetime service and gallantry awards
Sena Medal / Nao Sena Medal / Vayusena Medal
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
Yudh Seva Medal
Param Vishisht Seva Medal
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
Vishisht Seva Medal
Gandhi Peace Prize awards
Indira Gandhi Prize
Jnanpith Award the highest literary honour
Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
Bhasha Samman
Translation Awards
Anand Coomarswamy Fellowships
Premchand Fellowship
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
Dronacharya award
Arjuna award
Dhyan Chand Award
President's Police Medal for Gallantry
President's Fire Services Medal for Gallantry
President's Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry
President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry
Police Medal for Gallantry
Fire Services Medal for Gallantry
Correctional Service Medal for Gallantry
Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Gallantry
President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service
President's Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Service
President's Correctional Service Medal for Distinguished Service
President's Home Guards and Civil Defence for Distinguished Service
Police Medal for Meritorious Service
Fire Services Medal for Meritorious Service
Correction Service Medal for Meritorious Service
Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service
National Bravery Award
Bharat Award
Sanjay Chopra Award
Geeta Chopra Award
Kritin Bhardwaj Award
Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak
Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak
Jeevan Raksha Padak
