Awards and honours is a frequently tested topic in all competitive examinations. UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, IBPS and Railway examinations all include questions on Padma Awards, Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prizes, Gallantry Awards and Sports Honours.
Padma Awards 2026
Padma Awards are India second highest civilian honours (after Bharat Ratna). They are announced on Republic Day (26 January) every year. Three categories: Padma Vibhushan (second highest civilian award, exceptional distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of high order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service in any field).
Padma Awards 2026 were announced on 25 January 2026 (for the Republic Day 2026 list). The awards covered fields including arts, literature, education, social work, science and sports. Note: candidates should regularly check the official Press Information Bureau (PIB) release for the complete and accurate current year list, as this is directly tested in examinations.
Bharat Ratna
Bharat Ratna is India highest civilian award, established in 1954. It is awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, science, or public service. No more than three in a year. Recent recipients: Karpoori Thakur, L.K. Advani, P.V. Narasimha Rao (all 2024). Posthumous awards are permitted.
Nobel Prizes 2025
Nobel Prizes are awarded in six categories: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences (officially the Sveriges Riksbank Prize). They are awarded in Stockholm (all except Peace) and Oslo (Peace) each October, with ceremonies on 10 December (Alfred Nobel death anniversary).
| Category | Significance for India Exams |
|---|---|
| Physics | Often tests fundamental scientific discoveries |
| Chemistry | Important for science and tech questions |
| Medicine | Biomedical discoveries relevant to health |
| Literature | Author and country are tested |
| Peace | Individual/org, country and reason tested |
| Economics | Concept and economists names tested |
Indian Sports Awards
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (formerly Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna) is India highest sports honour. Given for spectacular performance over four years. Arjuna Award recognises outstanding achievement over four years. Dronacharya Award is for outstanding coaches. Dhyan Chand Award is for lifetime contribution to sports.
Commonwealth Games: Held every 4 years. India consistently finishes in top 5. Asian Games: India won 107 medals including 28 gold at 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Gallantry Awards
Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India highest wartime gallantry award, equivalent to UK Victoria Cross. Given for most conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy. Mahavir Chakra is the second highest wartime gallantry award. Vir Chakra is the third. The corresponding peacetime gallantry awards are Ashoka Chakra (highest), Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.