Why in News?
The President of India conferred Gallantry Awards, including:
| Award | Number | Posthumous |
|---|---|---|
| Kirti Chakras | 6 | 4 |
| Shaurya Chakras | 33 | 7 |
These were awarded to personnel from the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/UT Police, as announced on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, 2025.
About Gallantry Awards
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To honour extraordinary bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice in duty |
| Frequency | Announced twice a year – Republic Day (26th January) and Independence Day (15th August) |
| Categories | – Gallantry in the face of enemy |
Types of Gallantry Awards
| Category | Award | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gallantry in the Face of Enemy | Param Vir Chakra | Highest wartime gallantry award for conspicuous bravery in enemy presence. Features Indra’s Vajra. |
| Maha Vir Chakra | Second highest wartime gallantry award. Features a 5-pointed heraldic star. | |
| Vir Chakra | Third highest wartime gallantry award. Features a Chakra with the State Emblem. | |
| Gallantry other than in Face | Ashoka Chakra | Highest peacetime gallantry award. Embossed with respective chakra surrounded by lotus wreath. |
| of Enemy | Kirti Chakra | Second highest peacetime gallantry award. Same design as Ashoka Chakra. |
| Shaurya Chakra | Third highest peacetime gallantry award. Same design as Ashoka Chakra. |
Order of Precedence
| Rank | Award |
|---|---|
| 1 | Param Vir Chakra |
| 2 | Ashoka Chakra |
| 3 | Maha Vir Chakra |
| 4 | Kirti Chakra |
| 5 | Vir Chakra |
| 6 | Shaurya Chakra |
Eligibility Criteria
| Award Category | Eligible Persons |
|---|---|
| PVC, MVC, Vir Chakra | All ranks of the Naval, Military, Air, Reserve, and Territorial Forces including medical and nursing staff, and civilians under their direction |
| Ashoka, Kirti, Shaurya Chakra | All ranks of Armed Forces, Police, Central Para-Military Forces, Railway Protection Force, Nursing Services, and civilians |
Prelims Practice Questions
- With reference to the Kirti Chakra, consider the following statements:
- It is a gallantry award given only to military personnel in the face of the enemy.
- It is ranked below the Ashoka Chakra in order of precedence.
- Civilians are also eligible for this award.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
- Which of the following gallantry awards are given for acts of bravery in peacetime?
- Ashoka Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
- Maha Vir Chakra
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1 and 4 only
D. All of the above
Answer: A
- Consider the following pairs of gallantry awards and their highest equivalents: Gallantry AwardHighest EquivalentShaurya ChakraVir ChakraAshoka ChakraParam Vir ChakraKirti ChakraMaha Vir Chakra Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of the above
Answer: B
