India has a diverse culture and achievements. It honors exceptional individuals through various awards and honors. These recognitions range from national to international levels. They acknowledge outstanding contributions in fields like arts, literature, science, and social activism.
In this article, we will explore the list of awards and honours that are most often asked in competitive exams.
List of Awards and Honours in India
Here's a table summarizing the list of awards and honours that are often important for competitive exams in India:
| Award/Honour | Field of Recognition | Brief Description |
|---|
| Saraswati Samman Award | Literature | Given annually for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any Indian language. |
| Sahitya Akademi Award | Literature | Conferred annually by the Sahitya Akademi to writers for their outstanding books in various genres. |
| Vyas Samman Award | Literature | Awarded annually to Hindi writers for their outstanding literary work. |
| Nobel Prize | Various (Peace, Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Economic Sciences) | International awards given annually in several categories for outstanding contributions. |
| Jnanpith Award | Literature | India's highest literary award given for the best creative literary writing by any Indian citizen. |
| Kalinga Award | Science Popularization | Given for exceptional work in the field of science popularization. |
| Ramon Magsaysay Award | Leadership, Public Service, Community Leadership, Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts | Often considered Asia's Nobel Prize, it recognizes outstanding individuals/organizations. |
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Cinema | India's highest award in cinema, given annually by the Government of India for lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. |
| Dronacharya Award | Sports Coaching | Awarded to coaches for producing medal winners at international sports events. |
Let's learn about each of them in detail.
Saraswati Samman Award
The Saraswati Samman is a prestigious award in India, established in 1991 by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It recognizes outstanding literary works in any Indian language listed in the Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. The award carries a plaque, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹15 lakh. It is one of the highest literary honors in the country and is awarded based on the recommendations of a distinguished jury panel.
- Criteria: Outstanding literary work in any Indian language
- Established: 1991
- Awarded by: K.K. Birla Foundation
- Prize: ₹15 lakh, a plaque, and a citation
- Significance: Recognizes literary excellence and promotes national integration
Read More : Saraswati Samman Award
Sahitya Akademi Award
The Sahitya Akademi Award is an annual award given by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, to writers and their works for outstanding contribution to the upliftment of Indian literature. Established in 1954, the award honors works in 24 Indian languages, including English. Recipients receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The award is a recognition of the literary merit and originality of the works.
- Criteria: Literary merit and originality
- Established: 1954
- Awarded by: Sahitya Akademi
- Prize: ₹1 lakh, a shawl, and an engraved copper plaque
- Significance: Acknowledges contributions to Indian literature across languages
Read More : List of Sahitya Akademi Award Winners 2023
Vyas Samman Award
The Vyas Samman is awarded annually by the K.K. Birla Foundation since 1991 to outstanding literary works in Hindi. The award focuses on Hindi literary works published in the past ten years and includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh. It aims to promote Hindi literature and recognize the contributions of Hindi writers. The selection is made by a committee of eminent literary figures.
- Criteria: Outstanding Hindi literary work
- Established: 1991
- Awarded by: K.K. Birla Foundation
- Prize: ₹4 lakh
- Significance: Encourages and honors excellence in Hindi literature
Read More : List of Winners of Vyas Samman Award Till 2023
Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prize, established by Alfred Nobel's will in 1895, is awarded annually in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. It is internationally recognized as the highest accolade in these fields. Winners receive a medal, a diploma, and a cash award. The Nobel Prizes are celebrated for acknowledging groundbreaking contributions to humanity.
- Criteria: Outstanding contributions in various fields
- Established: 1895
- Awarded by: Various Nobel Committees
- Prize: Medal, diploma, and cash award
- Significance: Represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sciences, literature, and peace efforts
Read More :
Jnanpith Award
The Jnanpith Award is the highest literary award in India, presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their outstanding contribution towards literature. Established in 1961, it recognizes writers who have made significant impacts in Indian literature. The award includes a cash prize of ₹11 lakh, a citation, and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge.
- Criteria: Lifetime contribution to Indian literature
- Established: 1961
- Awarded by: Bharatiya Jnanpith
- Prize: ₹11 lakh, a citation, and a bronze replica of Saraswati
- Significance: Celebrates the best in Indian literary arts
Read More : List of Jnanpith Award Winners (1965-2024),
Kalinga Award
The Kalinga Award, established by UNESCO in 1952, is presented for the popularization of science among the public. It is named after the ancient kingdom of Kalinga in India and recognizes individuals who have worked to spread scientific knowledge in society. The award includes a cash prize, a certificate, and the UNESCO Albert Einstein Silver Medal.
- Criteria: Excellence in science communication and popularization
- Established: 1952
- Awarded by: UNESCO
- Prize: Cash prize, certificate, and the UNESCO Albert Einstein Silver Medal
- Significance: Encourages the dissemination of scientific knowledge
Read More : List of Kalinga Award Winners
Ramon Magsaysay Award
Often regarded as Asia's Nobel Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award was established in 1957 in memory of the Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay. It honors individuals or organizations in Asia who manifest the same sense of selfless service that characterized the late president's life and career. Awardees are recognized for their outstanding contributions to community leadership, public service, and integrity.
- Criteria: Leadership, integrity, and community service in Asia
- Established: 1957
- Awarded by: Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation
- Prize: Medal, certificate, and cash prize
- Significance: Acknowledges exemplary service and leadership in Asia
Read More : Ramon Magsaysay Award Winners from India
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest award in cinema, named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the father of Indian cinema. Established in 1969, it honors lifetime contributions to Indian cinema and includes a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medal, a shawl, and a cash prize. The award is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony by the Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
- Criteria: Lifetime contribution to Indian cinema
- Established: 1969
- Awarded by: Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- Prize: Swarna Kamal medal, shawl, and cash prize
- Significance: Celebrates the contributions of individuals to the Indian film industry
Read More : List of Recipients of Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Dronacharya Award
The Dronacharya Award is presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, for excellence in sports coaching. Named after Dronacharya, the legendary mentor of archery in the Mahabharata, the award recognizes coaches who have successfully trained athletes or teams that have achieved outstanding results in international competitions. The award includes a bronze statuette of Dronacharya, a certificate, ceremonial dress, and a cash prize.
- Criteria: Excellence in sports coaching
- Established: 1985
- Awarded by: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
- Prize: Bronze statuette of Dronacharya, certificate, ceremonial dress, and cash prize
- Significance: Honors the dedication and contribution of sports coaches to Indian sports
Read More : Dronacharya Award Winner List
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FAQs on List of Awards and Honours for Competitive Exams
What is the difference between Award and Honour?
An award is a tangible recognition given for a specific achievement. It is often accompanied by a trophy, certificate, or monetary prize. On the other hand, an honour is a distinction bestowed upon an individual for their merit. It often recognizes broader contributions to society without necessarily including a physical or monetary reward.
Name some Important Awards and Honours in India.
Some important awards and honours in India include:
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Jnanpith Award
- Sahitya Akademi Award
- Arjuna Award
- Dronacharya Award
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Which is the Highest Indian Award in all fields?
Bharat Ratna is the highest Indian Award in all fields.
What are the top 10 national awards in India?
Here are the top 10 national awards in India:
- Bharat Ratna
- Padma Vibhushan
- Padma Bhushan
- Padma Shri
- Gallantry Awards (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra)
- National Bravery Award
- Jnanpith Award
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology
- National Sports Awards (Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award, Arjuna Award)
What is Civilian Award?
Civilian awards are honors given by a country to its citizens for their distinguished contributions to various fields such as arts, literature, sports, medicine, science, and public service.