India has a rich tradition of recognising and honouring individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. These awards and honours celebrate excellence, achievements, and contributions to the nation’s development. Awards and honours, along with their respective fields, have become an essential part of various government competitive exams conducted today, like Railways, SSC, UPSC and more. 

Knowing these prestigious awards is crucial for those preparing for competitive exams in India. Recognising the achievements of individuals across different fields, this topic holds great significance as a part of Static General Knowledge (GK).

In this article, we present a comprehensive list of important awards and honours in India, along with their fields and the first awardees.

Comprehensive List of All Important Awards

Countless individuals around the world have showcased their exceptional talents, unwavering determination, courage and expertise in various fields such as science, literature, art, sports, and social work. In recognition of their remarkable contributions, governments and organisations have established numerous prestigious awards and honours. From the renowned Nobel Prize to the esteemed Academy Awards and from the prestigious Pulitzer Prize to the revered Padma Awards, this compilation features a list of distinguished accolades and their respective fields. These awards celebrate and acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organisations, highlighting their significant impact in their respective domains.

Here is a list of important awards and honours in India, along with their respective fields and the first awardees:

The candidates can read similar topics from the links provided below:

Important Awards & Honours: In Detail

All the listed awards will now be discussed in detail, to help aspirants have comprehensive knowledge about all these awards. 

Bharat Ratna

Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of Art, Literature, Science and for their outstanding public service. 

• It is a symbol of national pride and honour, representing the highest recognition given by the Government of India to its citizens.
• Instituted in 1954, the Bharat Ratna is presented by the President of India. 
• This prestigious award recognises individuals who have achieved rare and extraordinary accomplishments in their respective fields, leaving an indelible impact on the nation. 
• It serves as a tribute to their unwavering dedication, talent, and significant contributions towards the progress and development of India.

The list of notable recipients of the Bharat Ratna is illustrious and includes eminent personalities such as Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Mother Teresa, Rajiv Gandhi, Lata Mangeshkar, Sachin Tendulkar, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and Pranab Mukherjee, among others. These exceptional individuals have left an indelible mark on society and have become role models for generations to come.

The Bharat Ratna is not only a recognition of individual excellence but also a celebration of the diverse and rich cultural heritage of India. It represents the highest ideals and values of the nation, honouring those who have made extraordinary contributions in various spheres of life. The award serves as a testament to their exemplary achievements, inspiring the citizens of India to strive for greatness and contribute to the betterment of society.

Find the List of Bharat Ratna Awardees From 1954 to 2019, in the linked article.

Padma Awards

The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours bestowed by the Indian government to recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, science, sports, social work and more. Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced annually on India’s Republic Day. The Padma Awards consist of three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Each of these awards is highly regarded within India’s honour system. 

• Padma Vibhushan: 

• • Padma Vibhushan holds the distinction of being the second-highest civilian award in India. 
  • It was established in 1954 and is conferred upon individuals who have rendered distinguished services in any field, including government service. 
  • Notable personalities such as Zakir Husain, V.K Krishna Menon, Satyendra Nath Bose, Balasaheb Gangadhar Kher, Nandalal Bose, and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck were among the first recipients of this award.
• Padma Bhushan: 
  • Padma Bhushan, instituted in 1954, is presented for distinguished service of a high order. 
  • The first person to receive the Padma Bhushan was Homi Jehangir Bhabha, a renowned scientist.
• Padma Shri: 
  • Padma Shri is bestowed for distinguished service in various fields, including arts, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, and sports. 
  • It recognises individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective domains.

Difference Between Padma Awards

Gallantry Awards

Gallantry awards are a special category of honours presented to members of the military and police forces in recognition of their exceptional acts of bravery and valour while performing their duties. These awards serve as a way to acknowledge and commend the extraordinary courage and selflessness demonstrated by the recipients in challenging and perilous situations. In India, gallantry awards are divided into two types: 

• Awarded during times of peace
• Given during times of war

During times of peace, the following gallantry awards are given:

• Ashok Chakra: It is the highest peace-time gallantry award, bestowed upon individuals for acts of conspicuous bravery and valour in non-war situations.
• Kirti Chakra: Equivalent to the wartime Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award, honouring acts of exceptional courage and bravery.
• Shaurya Chakra: The Shaurya Chakra is a peacetime gallantry award, recognising courageous actions or acts of self-sacrifice that do not occur in direct combat against the enemy.

During times of war, the following gallantry awards are bestowed:

• Param Vir Chakra: This is the highest award for bravery in India, conferred for extraordinary acts of valour during wartime.
• Mahavir Chakra: It is the second-highest gallantry award, presented for acts of exceptional courage and gallantry in the face of the enemy.
• Vir Chakra: This is the third-highest gallantry award, recognising acts of bravery and valour exhibited by individuals during wartime.

These gallantry awards in India highlight and pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice displayed by military and police personnel in safeguarding the nation and its citizens.

Difference Between Gallantry Awards awarded during war time:

To know more about other government exams, visit the linked article.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

• The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna is India’s highest sports honour.
• It recognises outstanding athletes for their exceptional achievements and contributions to sports.
• The award is named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
• It was instituted in 1992.
• The award is presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Eligibility requires consistent performance at the international level and bringing recognition to the country.
• A committee of sports personalities and administrators evaluates athletes’ performances and recommends deserving recipients.
• The award highlights commendable displays by players in their respective sports.
• The first recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award was Viswanathan Anand, the renowned Indian chess Grandmaster. He was honoured with the award in 1991-1992 for his exceptional achievements and contributions to the sport of chess.

For a list of National Sports Awards, visit the linked article.

Man Booker Prize

• The Man Booker Prize is a highly prestigious literary award.
• It was established in 1969.
• The award recognises the best works of fiction written in English and published in the UK.
• Initially open to writers from Commonwealth countries, Ireland and Zimbabwe.
• Expanded in 2014 to include novels written in English and published in the UK.
• The prize is named after its former sponsor, the Man Group.
• The Man Group ended its sponsorship in 2019.
• The winning author receives a cash prize and gains global recognition.
• It was called The Booker Prize from 1969 to 2001. PH Newby was the first winner of the prize in 1969 for ‘Something to Answer For’.

UNESCO Human Rights Award

• The UNESCO Human Rights Award, also known as the UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights, recognises contributions to the promotion and protection of human rights.
• It was established in 1968 and has been presented to over 30 laureates.
• The award ceremony takes place annually on December 10th, which is the International Day for Human Rights.
• The award is given every two years, alternating with another year.
• It honours individuals, organisations, institutions and other entities for their significant contributions to human rights awareness.

Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award presented by the Government of India.
• The Government of India launched the International Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi.
• It recognises individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to promoting peace, non-violence and Gandhian values.
• The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 1 crore, a citation and a plaque.
• The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize is highly regarded internationally as a prestigious peace award.
• Recipients of the award have included notable figures like Nelson Mandela and institutions such as the Ramakrishna Mission.
• The award was instituted in 1995 by the Government of India.
• It is considered an equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the field of international peace.
• The first recipient of the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize was the late Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania. 

Read in detail about the Gandhi Peace Prize, in the linked article.

Right Livelihood Award

The Right Livelihood Award is considered an alternative to the traditional Nobel Prizes, emphasizing values and actions aligned with sustainable development and positive social change.

• The Right Livelihood Award, also known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” was established in 1980.
• It was founded by the Right Livelihood Society in London.
• The award aims to honour and support individuals and organisations working for social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace.
• It recognises efforts in addressing global issues such as human rights abuses, environmental degradation and poverty.
• The award is presented annually to four recipients from different parts of the world.
• Its focus areas include promoting environmental conservation and advancing social justice.
• The award carries significant recognition and support for the recipients’ work.

Pulitzer Prize

• Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious award in journalism and literary arts.
• It is administered by Columbia University.
• Established in 1917, it is named after Joseph Pulitzer, a US publisher.
• The prize is awarded annually in the United States.
• Recognises achievements in journalism, literature, and music.
• Notable recipients include Ernest Hemingway, Harper Lee, and Bob Dylan.
• The first Indian to win Pulitzer Prize was Gobind Behari Lal, a part of the Indian freedom struggle.

UNESCO Peace Prize

• The UNESCO Peace Prize, established in 1989, is an international award presented by UNESCO.
• It recognises individuals, organisations or institutions that have made significant contributions to promoting peace, tolerance and non-violence.
• The prize includes a sum of money, a peace diploma and a medal.
• It is also known as the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize.
• The prize is presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• It honours extraordinary contributions to international peace.
• The first awardee of the UNESCO Peace Prize was Nelson Mandela. He received the inaugural prize in 1991 in recognition of his remarkable efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and democracy in South Africa.

Read in detail about International Organisations & their Reports in the linked article.

Also learn about the International Organizations and Their Headquarters, which are important for the competitive exams.

Oscar Awards

The Oscar Awards, also known as the Academy Awards, is an esteemed annual ceremony that celebrates exceptional accomplishments in the film industry. It is considered one of the most highly regarded events in the entertainment world, attracting a global audience.

• Established in 1929, the Oscars are presented each year.
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States bestows the awards.
• Bhanu Athaiya became the first Indian to receive an Oscar for her work on the film ‘Gandhi’.
• In 1992, Satyajit Ray was honoured with an Oscar for his lifetime achievements in cinema.
• The winners of the first Academy Awards were:

• Emil Jannings: He received the award for Best Actor for his performances in the films “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh.”
• Janet Gaynor: She was awarded the first-ever Best Actress for her roles in the films “Seventh Heaven,” “Street Angel,” and “Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans.”

Candidates should not miss the list of important awards that remain in the current affairs. Related articles are listed down below:

Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding

The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding was instituted by the Government of India in 1965.

• It recognises outstanding contributions to international understanding and goodwill among the people of the world.
• It is open to individuals, institutions, and organisations from all countries.
• The award honours the values and ideals embodied by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Considered one of India’s most prestigious awards in the field of international relations.
• The first awardee of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding was U Thant, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Magsaysay Awards

• The Magsaysay Awards, established in 1957, are named after Ramon Magsaysay, the former President of the Philippines.
• The awards are presented annually on August 31st.
• The Magsaysay Awards recognise individuals and organisations in Asia who demonstrate integrity, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism, reflecting the ideals of Ramon Magsaysay.
• The awards are given for outstanding contributions in various fields, including public service, community leadership, journalism, literature and creative arts, and international understanding.
• Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Asia,” the Magsaysay Awards hold great prestige in the region.
• Human rights activist Vinoba Bhave was among the first five individuals to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award in its year of inception in 1958.

For information on various static GK topics check the article linked here.

Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious international award in the world. It was instituted by Alfred Bernard Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, and is presented on December 10th, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.

• The Nobel Prize is an esteemed international award presented annually to individuals who have made groundbreaking achievements in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Literature, and Economics. 
• It has been awarded since 1901, with the exception of the Economics category, which was established in 1967 and first awarded in 1969.
• Several distinguished individuals from India have received Nobel Prizes in various fields. 

The above-mentioned information can be helpful for several competitive examinations including the IAS Exam. 

Candidates can download the List Of Awards And Their Fields PDF from the link below:

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Candidates must check preparation strategies for competitive exams for holistic preparation.

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