List of Gallantry Awards in India for IBPS, SSC, RRB Exams

Param Vir Chakra: The highest decoration for valour is the Param Vir Chakra which is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the. presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

The decoration is made of bronze and is circular in shape. It has, on the obverse, four replicas of “Indra’s Vajra” embossed round the State emblem in the center. On the reverse, the words “Param Vir Chakra” are embossed both in Hindi and English with two lotus flowers in the middle.

The decoration is worn on the left breast with a plain, purple coloured riband about 3.2 cm in width.

Mahavir Chakra: Mahavir Chakra is the second highest decoration for valour and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

It is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. Embossed on the obverse is a five-pointed heraldic star with domed center-piece bearing the gilded State emblem in the center, The words “Mahavir Chakra” are embossed both in Hindi and English on the reverse with two lotus flowers in the middle. The decoration is worn on the left breast with a half-white and half-orange riband about 3.2 cm in width, the orange being near the left shoulder.

Vir Chakra: Vir Chakra is third in the order of awards given for the act of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.

The decoration is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. Embossed on the obverse is a five-pointed heraldic star which has an Ashoka Chakra in the center. Within this chakra, there is a domed centre-piece bearing gilded State emblem. On the reverse, the words “Vir Chakra” are embossed, both in Hindi and English, with two lotus flowers in the middle. The Chakra is worn on the left breast with a half-blue and half­orange riband, about 3.2 cm in width, the orange being nearer the left shoulder.

Ashok Chakra: The Ashok Chakra series of awards are open to civilians also. Recommendations received in respect of civilians from the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and Ministries/Departments of the Central Government are processed by the Ministry of Defence for the consideration of the Central Honours and Awards Committee chaired by the Defence Minister. These awards are biannual and are given on the Republic Day and Independence Day.

Kirti Chakra: The decoration is the nation’s second highest award for gallantry during peacetime. It is made of standard silver and is circular in shape. The obverse and the reverse are exactly the same as in Ashok Chakra.

The Chakra is worn on the left breast with a green silk riband, about 3.2 cm in width and divided into equal segments by two orange vertical lines.

Shaurya Chakra: The decoration is awarded for an act of gallantry. It is exactly like Ashok Chakra, except that it is made of bronze.

The Chakra is worn on the left breast with a green silk riband, about 3.2 cm in width and divided into four equal segments by three orange vertical lines.

Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal: The Vishisht Seva (Distinguished Service) Medals are awarded to personnel of all the three services in recognition of distinguished service of the “most exceptional”, “exceptional” and “high” order, respectively. Param Vishisht Seva Medal is made of gold, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal of standard silver and Vishisht Seva Medal of bronze, all circular in shape and 3.5 cm in diameter. Each medal has on its obverse five-pointed stars and on its reverse the Lion Capitol. Its riband is golden with one dark-blue stripe down the center for Param Vishisht Seva Medal, two dark-blue stripes dividing it into three equal parts for Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and three dark-blue stripes dividing it into four equal parts for Vishisht Seva Medal.