Major Awards in India – Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards, Sports & Literature GK Notes

📖 Introduction

    Awards and honours are given in India to recognize outstanding achievements in literature, arts, science, social service, sports, cinema, and public service. Questions on Major Awards in India are frequently asked in SSC, UPSC, Railways, Banking, Defence, and State PSC exams, as well as in school-level GK competitions.

    This post provides a detailed list of the most important national awards in India along with their significance and categories.

✅ Major Civilian Awards of India

1. Bharat Ratna

   • The highest civilian award of India.

   • Given for exceptional service in any field of human endeavour.

   • Established: 1954

   • First Recipients: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. C. V. Raman (1954)

2. Padma Awards

• Padma Vibhushan – Second-highest civilian award (for exceptional and distinguished service).

• Padma Bhushan – Third-highest civilian award (for distinguished service of high order).

• Padma Shri – Fourth-highest civilian award (for distinguished service in any field).

• Announced every year on the eve of Republic Day (26 January).

✅ Major Awards in Literature

• Jnanpith Award – The Highest literary award in India, given for outstanding contribution to literature in any Indian language.

• Sahitya Akademi Award – Given annually for the best literary works in 24 Indian languages.

• Bhasha Samman – For contributions to the development of lesser-known languages.

✅ Major Awards in Cinema

• Dadasaheb Phalke Award – The Highest award in Indian cinema, given for lifetime contribution to Indian films.

• National Film Awards – Given annually for excellence in different categories of Indian cinema.

• Filmfare Awards – Popular awards given by the film industry.

✅ Major Awards in Science & Technology

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize – The Highest award for scientific research in India.

• Kalam Innovation Award – Given for innovation and technology in honour of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

✅ Major Sports Awards

• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) – The Highest sports award of India.

• Arjuna Award – Given for outstanding performance in sports.

• Dronacharya Award – Given to outstanding coaches in sports.

• Dhyan Chand Award – For lifetime achievement in sports.

📌 Quick Facts for Exams

• Highest Civilian Award of India: Bharat Ratna

• Highest Sports Award of India: Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna

• Highest Award in Literature: Jnanpith Award

• Highest Award in Cinema: Dadasaheb Phalke Award

📝 Conclusion

    The major awards in India celebrate the talent and contributions of individuals in different fields such as literature, arts, sports, science, and cinema. For exam preparation, students must remember the highest award in each category, their year of institution, and the first recipients.