Awards and Honours play an important role in the Static General Knowledge section of the AFCAT 1 2026 Exam. They not only reflect achievements in various fields such as literature, science, sports, and public service but also highlight India’s contribution to national and global excellence. Let’s look at the major national and international awards and recent award winners (2024–25) that are important for the exam.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Static GK – Awards & Honours
1. Major National Awards of India
a) Bharat Ratna
About: India’s highest civilian award, given for exceptional service in any field of human endeavor.
Instituted: 1954
Shape: Peepal leaf design
Recent Awardees (2024):
Lal Krishna Advani – Former Deputy Prime Minister of India
Karpoori Thakur – Former Chief Minister of Bihar (Posthumous)
b) Padma Awards
About: These are the second-highest civilian awards after Bharat Ratna, divided into three categories — Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
Instituted: 1954
Awarded By: President of India on Republic Day
Padma Award Highlights (2024):
Padma Vibhushan:
Vyjayantimala (Art)
Koneru Humpy (Sports)
Padma Bhushan:
Mithun Chakraborty (Art)
Usha Uthup (Art)
Padma Shri:
Ratan Chandra Kar (Medicine)
Deepa Malik (Sports)
c) Gallantry Awards
Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s highest wartime gallantry award.
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and Vir Chakra (VrC): For bravery in the presence of the enemy.
Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra: For gallantry in peacetime.
Important Fact: The first Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Major Somnath Sharma (Posthumously, 1947–48 Indo-Pak War).
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