National Awards & Civilian Honours of India MCQs
India General Knowledge
📘 MODULE 14: Sports, Awards & Achievements MCQs
Topic: National Awards & Civilian Honours of India MCQs
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Overview of Civilian Honours in India (Q1–Q10)
Q1. Civilian honours in India are primarily awarded to:
A. Government officers only
B. Military personnel only
C. Individuals for exceptional service in various fields
D. Foreign diplomats only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Civilian honours recognise exceptional contributions in art, literature, science, public service, social work, sports, and other fields, irrespective of profession.
Q2. Which is the highest civilian award of India?
A. Padma Shri
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Bharat Ratna
D. Padma Vibhushan
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour, awarded for exceptional service of the highest order.
Q3. Civilian awards in India are announced on:
A. Republic Day
B. Independence Day
C. Gandhi Jayanti
D. Constitution Day
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
National civilian awards are traditionally announced on 26 January (Republic Day).
Q4. Civilian honours in India are conferred by:
A. Prime Minister
B. Chief Justice of India
C. President of India
D. Parliament
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The President of India formally confers all civilian honours.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a civilian honour?
A. Bharat Ratna
B. Padma Vibhushan
C. Padma Bhushan
D. Ashoka Chakra
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
The Ashoka Chakra is a gallantry award, not a civilian honour.
Q6. Civilian awards are given to:
A. Indians only
B. Indians and foreigners
C. Government employees only
D. Artists only
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Civilian honours can be awarded to foreign nationals for exceptional contribution.
Q7. The objective of civilian honours is to:
A. Promote politics
B. Encourage excellence and service
C. Reward wealth
D. Provide employment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They aim to recognise excellence and inspire public service.
Q8. Civilian honours are generally:
A. Hereditary
B. Posthumous only
C. Non-hereditary
D. State-specific
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
These awards do not pass to heirs and are based on merit.
Q9. Which sector is NOT covered under civilian honours?
A. Arts
B. Science
C. Sports
D. Political office
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Awards are for service and achievement, not for holding political office.
Q10. Questions on civilian honours usually test:
A. Award amount
B. Hierarchy and purpose
C. Ceremony venue
D. Dress code
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Competitive exams focus on order, category, and significance of awards.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Bharat Ratna – India’s Highest Civilian Award (Q11–Q20)
Q11. The Bharat Ratna was instituted in:
A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1954
D. 1961
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954.
Q12. Bharat Ratna is awarded for excellence in:
A. Arts only
B. Sports only
C. Science only
D. Any field of exceptional service
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
It recognises exceptional service in any field of human endeavour.
Q13. How many Bharat Ratna awards can be given in a year?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. No fixed limit
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
A maximum of three awards can be given in a year.
Q14. The first recipients of the Bharat Ratna were awarded in:
A. 1954
B. 1955
C. 1961
D. 1977
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The first Bharat Ratna awards were given in 1955.
Q15. Bharat Ratna is not associated with:
A. Monetary grant
B. National prestige
C. Recognition of service
D. Title usage
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Awardees cannot use the award as a title.
Q16. Bharat Ratna can be awarded posthumously:
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only to soldiers
D. Only to artists
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
The award can be conferred posthumously.
Q17. Bharat Ratna recipients receive:
A. Gold medal only
B. Sanad and medallion
C. Cash prize only
D. Pension
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Awardees receive a Sanad (certificate) and a medallion.
Q18. Bharat Ratna is equivalent in protocol to:
A. Padma Vibhushan
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Padma Shri
D. None (highest civilian honour)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
It stands above all other civilian awards.
Q19. Bharat Ratna is an example of:
A. Gallantry award
B. Military honour
C. Civilian honour
D. State award
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It is India’s highest civilian honour.
Q20. UPSC questions on Bharat Ratna generally focus on:
A. Award year only
B. Recipient list only
C. Features and eligibility
D. Medal design
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Conceptual understanding is preferred over rote memorisation.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Padma Awards – Structure & Hierarchy (Q21–Q35)
Q21. Padma Awards were instituted in:
A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1954
D. 1965
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Padma Awards were introduced in 1954, along with the Bharat Ratna.
Q22. Which is the highest Padma award?
A. Padma Shri
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Padma Vibhushan
D. Bharat Ratna
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Padma Vibhushan is the highest among Padma awards.
Q23. Padma Bhushan is awarded for:
A. Ordinary service
B. Distinguished service of high order
C. Exceptional service of highest order
D. Military bravery
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Padma Bhushan recognises distinguished service of a high order.
Q24. Padma Shri is awarded for:
A. Exceptional service
B. Distinguished service
C. Distinguished service in any field
D. Military service
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Padma Shri recognises distinguished service in various fields.
Q25. Padma awards are given in how many categories?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
There are three Padma awards: Vibhushan, Bhushan, and Shri.
Q26. Padma awards are civilian honours because they:
A. Are given by Parliament
B. Are open to civilians and foreigners
C. Include military ranks
D. Are state-specific
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are not restricted to government officials.
Q27. Padma awards were suspended during:
A. 1962 war
B. 1975–77 Emergency
C. 1991 reforms
D. 2000s
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Awards were suspended during the Emergency period.
Q28. Padma awards cannot be used as:
A. Post-nominal titles
B. Recognition
C. Honour
D. Achievement record
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Recipients cannot use Padma awards as titles or suffixes.
Q29. Padma awards cover contributions in:
A. Arts
B. Social work
C. Public affairs
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
They cover a wide range of disciplines.
Q30. Padma awards are civilian because they are:
A. Military-oriented
B. Non-combat
C. Based on service and excellence
D. Region-specific
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
They recognise meritorious civilian contribution.
Q31. Padma awards are announced on:
A. Independence Day
B. Republic Day
C. Gandhi Jayanti
D. Constitution Day
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are announced on 26 January every year.
Q32. Padma awards are considered:
A. State awards
B. Civilian honours
C. Gallantry awards
D. Military decorations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are national civilian honours.
Q33. Which Padma award is the entry-level honour?
A. Padma Vibhushan
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Padma Shri
D. Bharat Ratna
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Padma Shri is the lowest in the Padma hierarchy.
Q34. The purpose of Padma awards is to:
A. Reward seniority
B. Encourage excellence
C. Promote bureaucracy
D. Support political ideology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They aim to recognise and motivate excellence.
Q35. Padma awards are important for exams because they:
A. Are current affairs only
B. Reflect national recognition system
C. Test memory only
D. Reduce syllabus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They form a core GK topic.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Other National Civilian Awards (Q36–Q50)
Q36. Which award recognises lifetime contribution to sports?
A. Arjuna Award
B. Khel Ratna
C. Major Dhyan Chand Award
D. Dronacharya Award
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
It honours lifetime contribution to sports.
Q37. The Arjuna Award is related to:
A. Literature
B. Sports
C. Science
D. Cinema
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Arjuna Award recognises sporting excellence.
Q38. The Dronacharya Award is given to:
A. Athletes
B. Coaches
C. Administrators
D. Referees
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It honours outstanding sports coaches.
Q39. National Film Awards are given for:
A. Theatre only
B. Cinema excellence
C. Television serials
D. Journalism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They recognise excellence in Indian cinema.
Q40. National Awards differ from Padma Awards because:
A. They are state awards
B. They are field-specific
C. They are given monthly
D. They are hereditary
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Many national awards are sector-specific.
Q41. Sahitya Akademi Award is related to:
A. Music
B. Literature
C. Dance
D. Painting
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It honours outstanding literary works.
Q42. National awards aim to:
A. Centralise power
B. Promote excellence across fields
C. Replace Padma awards
D. Reward senior officials
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They encourage diverse forms of excellence.
Q43. Civilian awards are non-political because they:
A. Avoid public recognition
B. Focus on service, not office
C. Are decided by courts
D. Are state-funded
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Awards focus on merit and contribution, not position.
Q44. Which award recognises excellence in teaching?
A. Padma Shri
B. National Award for Teachers
C. Sahitya Akademi
D. Arjuna Award
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
It honours outstanding teachers.
Q45. Civilian honours contribute to:
A. National pride
B. Cultural recognition
C. Motivation for service
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
They play a key role in nation-building.
Q46. National awards are usually:
A. Region-specific
B. Annual
C. Monthly
D. Biennial
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Most national awards are conferred annually.
Q47. Civilian honours promote:
A. Competition only
B. Excellence and service
C. Political loyalty
D. Bureaucracy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They encourage selfless contribution.
Q48. Which of the following is a civilian honour?
A. Param Vir Chakra
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Vir Chakra
D. Ashoka Chakra
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Padma Bhushan is a civilian award.
Q49. Civilian awards help aspirants because they:
A. Are static GK topics
B. Are current affairs topics
C. Appear frequently in exams
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
They combine static and current GK relevance.
Q50. National awards are part of:
A. Defence policy
B. Cultural and honour system
C. Economic policy
D. Judicial process
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They reflect India’s honour and recognition framework.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Exam-Oriented High-Frequency Questions (Q51–Q60)
Q51. Which award comes immediately after Bharat Ratna in hierarchy?
A. Padma Shri
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Padma Vibhushan
D. Arjuna Award
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Padma Vibhushan is second only to Bharat Ratna.
Q52. Civilian honours in India are governed by:
A. Constitution
B. Executive orders
C. Parliamentary law
D. Supreme Court rules
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They are governed by executive notifications.
Q53. Padma awards can be revoked if:
A. Recipient requests
B. Misuse of honour occurs
C. Award is old
D. Government changes
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Awards can be withdrawn for misconduct.
Q54. Civilian awards reflect:
A. Military power
B. Cultural and social values
C. Economic strength
D. Political ideology
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They showcase societal values and contributions.
Q55. UPSC usually asks questions on:
A. Medal design
B. Award hierarchy and purpose
C. Guest list
D. Event venue
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Conceptual clarity is emphasised.
Q56. Civilian honours encourage:
A. Personal gain
B. Public service
C. Political dominance
D. Regionalism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
They promote service-oriented excellence.
Q57. Which award is NOT a Padma award?
A. Padma Shri
B. Padma Bhushan
C. Padma Vibhushan
D. Bharat Ratna
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
Bharat Ratna is separate from Padma awards.
Q58. Civilian honours are important for GK because they:
A. Are frequently in news
B. Are part of static syllabus
C. Reflect national achievements
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
They are high-yield exam topics.
Q59. National awards are conferred to promote:
A. Titles
B. Excellence and service
C. Bureaucratic hierarchy
D. Political recognition
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Merit and service are the core criteria.
Q60. Studying civilian honours helps aspirants in:
A. Prelims
B. Interviews
C. General awareness sections
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
They are relevant across all stages of competitive exams.
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Bharat Ratna Padma Awards MCQs
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Civilian honours of India GK questions
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National awards of India MCQs
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Padma Vibhushan Padma Bhushan Padma Shri MCQs
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Indian civilian awards UPSC questions
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National awards GK for competitive exams
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Indian honours and awards MCQs
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Awards and honours of India prelims GK
🔹 National Awards & Civilian Honours of India MCQs
National Awards and Civilian Honours represent India’s highest system of recognition for excellence, service, and national contribution. Competitive examinations regularly feature questions on Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and other national awards, focusing on their hierarchy, purpose, eligibility, and significance.
This MODULE 14 MCQ set provides systematic, exam-oriented coverage with easy-to-understand explanations, helping aspirants clearly grasp award structures, distinctions, and real-world relevance. Regular practice of these MCQs strengthens static GK, current-affairs linkage, and conceptual clarity, making it an essential resource for prelims and interviews.
🔹 FAQ SECTION
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are National Awards & Civilian Honours important for competitive exams?
They are core static GK topics and are frequently asked in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, and Defence exams.
Q2. Which civilian awards are most important for exams?
Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri are the most important.
Q3. Are civilian honours linked with current affairs?
Yes. Annual award announcements make them static topics with strong current-affairs relevance.
Q4. Do exams ask about recipients or concepts?
Mostly hierarchy, purpose, eligibility, and distinguishing features, with selective questions on recipients.
Q5. How should aspirants prepare National Awards GK effectively?
By understanding award hierarchy, objectives, and categories, and revising them regularly through MCQs.
🔹 TARGETING EXAMS
🎯 Targeting Competitive & Academic Examinations
These National Awards & Civilian Honours of India MCQs are prepared in strict alignment with the India-specific General Knowledge syllabus and are highly useful for:
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UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims)
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State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
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SSC CGL, CHSL, GD & MTS
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Banking Exams (IBPS, SBI, RBI)
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Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
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Defence & Police Recruitment Exams
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University, College & School-level Competitive Examinations