Top 10 National Awards of India: Complete List of Awards in India

India has a rich tradition of honoring individuals who have made outstanding contributions in different fields such as literature, science, sports, cinema, and public service. The National Awards of India represent the highest level of recognition and prestige for achievements across diverse domains. These awards not only highlight excellence but also reflect the cultural, social, and intellectual strength of the nation.

In this blog, we will cover the top awards in India, their significance, categories, and a national awards list along with examples of awardees. Whether you are a student preparing for competitive exams, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the awards in India, this complete guide will help you understand the most prestigious honors.

Importance of National Awards in India

The India National Awards are designed to recognize exceptional talent and contribution in areas that directly impact the nation’s growth and identity. These awards motivate citizens, inspire generations, and bring international attention to Indian excellence. The list of awards in India includes civilian awards, military honors, literary awards, sports awards, and film awards.

By acknowledging extraordinary individuals, the national award of India system strengthens unity, encourages innovation, and sets benchmarks of achievement.

Top 10 National Awards of India

Here is a comprehensive look at the top 10 National Awards of India, which are considered the best awards in India and part of the official national awards list.

1. Civilian Awards

These are the most prestigious Indian civilian awards list, given to individuals for extraordinary service in any field of human endeavor.

• Bharat Ratna – Highest civilian award in India
  
  
• Padma Vibhushan – Second-highest civilian award
  
  
• Padma Bhushan – Third-highest civilian award
  
  
• Padma Shri – Fourth-highest civilian award
  

2. Bharat Ratna

• Category: Highest Civilian Award of India
  
  
• Introduced: 1954
  
  
• Given For: Exceptional service in any field of human endeavor including literature, science, public service, and arts.
  
  

 Bharat Ratna Awardees

3. Padma Vibhushan

• Category: Second-highest civilian award in India
  
  
• Introduced: 1954
  
  
• Given For: Exceptional and distinguished service in any field including government service.
  
  

Padma Vibhushan Awardees

4. Padma Bhushan

• Category: Third-highest civilian honor in the list of awards in India
  
  
• Introduced: 1954
  
  
• Given For: Distinguished service of a high order.
  
  

 Padma Bhushan Awardees

5 Padma Shri

• Category: Fourth-highest civilian award in the Indian honours awards in India
  
  
• Introduced: 1954
  
  
• Given For: Distinguished service in any field.

 Padma Shri Awardees

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6. Gallantry Awards (Military and Civil Bravery)

These awards recognize courage and valor during war and peace. They are an important part of national awards and honours in India.

Category: Military Honors – part of national awards and honours in India

Introduced: Post-independence

Given For: Exceptional bravery in war and peace.

• Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – Highest wartime gallantry award
  
  
• Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second-highest wartime gallantry award
  
  
• Vir Chakra – Third-highest wartime gallantry award
  
  
• Ashoka Chakra – Highest peacetime gallantry award
  
  
• Kirti Chakra – Second-highest peacetime gallantry award
  
  
• Shaurya Chakra – Third-highest peacetime gallantry award

 Gallantry Awardees (Param Vir Chakra & Ashoka Chakra)

7. Literary Awards

These awards of India recognize excellence in literature and writing in various languages.

Category: Literary Award

Introduced: 1961

Given For: Outstanding contribution to Indian literature.

• Jnanpith Award – Highest literary award in India
  
  
• Sahitya Akademi Award – For outstanding books in Indian languages
  
  
• Sahitya Akademi Fellowship – Honor for eminent writers

Literary Awards in India – Notable Recipients

8. Film and Arts Awards

These top awards in India honor achievements in cinema, arts, and culture.

National Film Awards – Recognizes best films, actors, and technical talent

Dadasaheb Phalke Award – Highest honor in Indian cinema

• Category: Cinema Awards of India
  
  
• Introduced: 1954
  
  
• Given For: Best achievements in Indian cinema including actors, directors, and films.
  
  

 National Film Awards Recipients (Best Actor/Actress/Film)

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9. Sports Awards

Part of the national award in India system, these awards motivate athletes for their contribution to Indian sports.

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award – Highest sports award
  
  
• Arjuna Award – For consistent performance in sports
  
  
• Dronacharya Award – For excellence in sports coaching
  
  
• Dhyan Chand Award – For lifetime achievement in sports

Sports Awards in India – Notable Recipients

10. Arjuna Award

• Category: Sports Award
  
  
• Introduced: 1961
  
  
• Given For: Consistent outstanding performance in sports.
  
  

 Arjuna Awardees

Other Prestigious Awards of India

Apart from the above, there are several notable awards that also form part of the awards in India framework:

• Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
  
  
• Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award
  
  
• Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (Environment Award)
  
  
• Nari Shakti Puraskar (Women Empowerment Award)

Conclusion

The National Awards of India reflect the highest recognition for extraordinary achievements in various fields. From the Bharat Ratna, the pinnacle of civilian awards, to the National Film Awards and Khel Ratna, each honor carries immense prestige.

By studying this list of awards in India, one can understand the diversity of excellence celebrated in our country. These Indian civilian awards list and awards national awards and honours in India play a vital role in motivating individuals and highlighting India’s cultural and intellectual wealth.

In short, the top awards in India are not just symbols of prestige but also reminders of dedication, talent, and contribution to society.

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