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Gallantry Awards in India

PYQs

7

Articles

1

Momentum

19

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding the system of national honours, the constitutional role of the President, the institutional framework for recognizing military personnel, and its significance for national morale and defence preparedness is crucial for UPSC aspirants.

India has a comprehensive system of gallantry awards instituted by the President of India to honour the exceptional bravery, valour, and sacrifice of its armed forces personnel and civilians. These awards serve as a national recognition of their distinguished service and courage, forming a crucial part of the nation's policy towards its defenders.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Hierarchy

Awards are broadly categorized into wartime (e.g., Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra) and peacetime (e.g., Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra) gallantry awards.

Conferrer

All gallantry awards are conferred by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

Sena Medal

The article specifically mentions the Sena Medal (Gallantry), which is awarded to members of the Indian Army for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage.

Purpose

They aim to inspire and recognize the supreme sacrifice and distinguished service in the line of duty, boosting morale and national pride.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaExecutive & Council of Ministers
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
President of IndiaConfers awards
Ministry of DefenceAdministers awards
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • India's gallantry awards recognize bravery of armed forces and civilians.
  • Conferred by the President of India, Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.
  • Categorized into wartime (e.g., PVC) and peacetime (e.g., AC) honours.
  • Sena Medal (Gallantry) is for individual acts of courage in the Army.
  • Crucial for military morale, national recognition, and defence ethos.

High-confidence PYQs

2025Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Indian PolityOpen question

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

Indian PolityOpen question
2024Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Indian PolityOpen question

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...

Indian PolityOpen question
2023Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Indian PolityOpen question

Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...

Indian PolityOpen question
2021Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Indian PolityOpen question
2019Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Science & TechnologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Executive & Council of MinistersWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Prelims 2019· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements : 1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 2. In India, the...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Indian Judiciary, consider the following statements: 1. Any retired judge of the Supreme Court of India can be called back to sit and act ...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Open question

Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...

Open question

Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Open question

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

The North Eastern Council (NEC) was established by the North Eastern Council Act, 1971. Subsequent to the amendment of NEC Act in 2002, the Council comprises...

Open question

Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...

Open question

Honouring the bravehearts

27 Jun 2026 · India's gallantry awards, conferred by the President, recognize military and civilian bravery, categorized into wartime and peacetime honours, crucial for national morale and defence ethos.

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