Important National (India) and International Awards
In today’s competitive world, having knowledge of important national and international awards is essential, especially for students, aspirants of competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, and other government job exams. Awards and honours not only recognize excellence in various fields but also serve as a strong foundation for general knowledge and current affairs preparation.
Why Learn About Awards and Honours?
- Frequently asked in competitive exams
- Important for current affairs preparation
- Enhances general knowledge
- Helps in essay writing and interviews
Static GK Notes and Exam Support by Rohit Academy:
Rohit Academy offers simplified Static GK notes designed for easy comprehension, ideal for competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, banking, railways, and state-level tests. Free study resources are available to support students across these exams. Some frequently asked questions related to this topic are provided below, which are very important for exam preparation. Check Rohit Academy’s official website or platform for access.
List of National Awards of India
India has a rich tradition of honouring its citizens through various national awards for excellence in literature, arts, science, sports, cinema, and public service. Here are some of the major Indian awards:
| Civilian Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Bharat Ratna | Highest civilian award of India for exceptional service in art, literature, science, and public service. |
| Padma Vibhushan | Second-highest civilian award for exceptional and distinguished service. |
| Padma Bhushan | Third-highest civilian award for distinguished service. |
| Padma Shri | Fourth-highest civilian award for distinguished service in any field. |
| Wartime Gallantry Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Param Vir Chakra | India's highest military honor awarded for exceptional bravery in war. |
| Maha Vir Chakra | The second-highest military award given for acts of gallantry in battle. |
| Vir Chakra | A prestigious award presented for military valor. |
| Peacetime Gallantry Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Ashok Chakra | The highest peacetime gallantry award; awarded to both civilian and military personnel. |
| Kirti Chakra | Awarded for gallantry during peacetime; applicable to both civilian and military personnel. |
| Shaurya Chakra | Awarded to civilian and military personnel for acts of bravery and valor during peacetime. |
| Sports Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now renamed as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award) | Highest sporting honour in India; awarded for outstanding performance over 4 years at international level. |
| Arjuna Award | Given for consistent outstanding performance over 4 years at the national and international levels. |
| Dronacharya Award | Given to coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious international sports events. |
| Dhyan Chand Award | Awarded to sportspersons who have contributed to sports through performance and promotion post-retirement. |
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy | Awarded to the best overall performing university in inter-university tournaments. |
| Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar | Given to organizations and individuals for playing a role in the promotion and development of sports. |
| Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award | Given for outstanding achievements in adventure sports and activities. |
| Literature Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Jnanpith Award | Highest literary honor in India for outstanding contribution to literature. |
| Sahitya Akademi Award | Given by Sahitya Akademi for literary excellence in various Indian languages. |
| Vyas Samman | Given by KK Birla Foundation for literary work in Hindi. |
| Bharatiya Jnanpith Moortidevi Award | For philosophical literature. |
| Cinema Awards In India | |
| Awards | Description |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Highest award in Indian cinema. |
| National Film Awards | Recognizes excellence in Indian cinema annually. |
| Sangeet Natak Akademi Award | For performing arts – music, dance, and drama. |
| Science & Technology | |
| Awards | Description |
| Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize | For outstanding work in science and technology. |
| Dr. B. C. Roy Award | Prestigious award in the field of medicine. |
| Infosys Prize | For achievements in research and science in India. |
| Dhanwantri Award | A prestigious award given for contributions to medical science. |
List of Important International Awards
On the global stage, various prestigious awards are given to recognize outstanding contributions in literature, peace, science, economics, and entertainment. Here are some of the top international awards:
| Awards | Fields |
| Nobel Prize | Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Literature, Economics |
| Grammy Awards | Music Industry |
| Pulitzer Prize | Journalism, Literature and Music |
| Magsaysay Awards (Also Known as Nobel Prize of Asia) | Outstanding contributions to public service, Community leadership, Journalism, Literature and creative arts, International understanding |
| Man Booker Prize | Highest literary award of the world |
| Right Livelihood Award | Environment and Social Justice |
| Oscar Award | Various fields of film making |
| UN Human Rights Award | Human Rights Awareness |
| Aga khan Award | Architecture |
| Kalinga Prize | Science (UNESCO) |
| Abel Prize | Mathematics |
| Nobel Prize | Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Peace, Literature, Economics |
PDF List of Important National (India) and International Awards
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Focus on award names, fields, recent recipients, and instituting bodies.
- Revise current affairs for recent awards and honours.
- Practice MCQs from previous years’ GK sections.
| Recommended |
You Can Also Visit:
| Complete List of Static GK |
| Study Materials for Competitive Examination |
| Important National and International Awards in Hindi |
| Important National and International Awards in Bengali |
Official Websites:
By clicking the following link, you can visit the official website of the respective organization.
- NCERT
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Railway Requirement Board (RRB
- Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)
- Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC)
- Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)
- Public Service Commission, West Bengal (WBPSC)
- West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB)
- Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
Previous Years’ Questions on Awards and Honours
Here are some previous years’ exam questions based on Important National and International Awards, especially useful for SSC, UPSC, Railway, and other competitive exams:
Who was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna?
Which award is given for excellence in the field of sports?
Dadasaheb Phalke Award is given in the field of –
Which award is known as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics”?
Padma Awards are announced on –
Which international award is given for outstanding contribution to literature?
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was renamed in honour of which legendary sportsperson?
Which Indian cricketer was awarded the Bharat Ratna?
Which award is given for excellence in medical science in India?
Oscar awards are related to –
Which Indian was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998?
Who was the first recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award?
In which year was the Arjuna Award instituted?
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is often referred to as:
Who was the first woman to receive the Jnanpith Award?
Which award is the highest civilian honor in India?
***Note: “If you find any errors or mistakes, let us know by commenting or sending us an email.”