Awards & Honours — Study Notes
Overview
Awards and honours form a staple component of the General Awareness section in UPSSSC PET. This topic bridges current affairs with static GK, as questions can ask about historical recipients, eligibility criteria, fields of recognition, or recent awardees. Expect 2–3 direct questions on awards in the exam, especially on Bharat Ratna, Padma awards (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri), Nobel Prize categories, literary awards like Jnanpith and Booker, and occasionally sports or gallantry awards.
Mastery requires knowing the award hierarchy, year of institution, administering bodies, and a short list of notable recipients—especially those linked to Uttar Pradesh or Indian independence. Since current affairs overlap heavily, stay updated on the latest announcements (usually January 26 for Padma awards and October for Nobel). This topic rewards consistent newspaper reading paired with a strong framework of static facts.
Focus on the "who, what, when" for each award: who instituted it, what it recognises, when it began, and 5–8 marquee names. Questions often test field matching (e.g., "Which Nobel for literature?") or chronological awareness (first Indian recipient). Quality memorisation beats rote cramming—understand the prestige ladder and contexts.
Key Concepts
- **Civilian awards hierarchy in India**: Bharat Ratna (highest) → Padma Vibhushan → Padma Bhushan → Padma Shri. Announced on Republic Day eve; conferred by the President.
- **Bharat Ratna** is awarded for exceptional service in any field of human endeavour, with no field restrictions. No posthumous bar since 1955 rules amended. Maximum 3 per year (informal practice).
- **Padma awards** recognise distinguished service in art, literature, science, public affairs, social work, sports, medicine, trade/industry. Categories: Vibhushan (exceptional), Bhushan (distinguished), Shri (distinguished). Announced by Ministry of Home Affairs.
- **Nobel Prize** established by Alfred Nobel's will (1895), first awarded 1901. Six categories: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine/Physiology, Literature, Peace, Economic Sciences (added 1968). Administered by Nobel Foundation, Sweden (Peace in Norway). Cash prize currently ~11 million SEK.
- **Jnanpith Award** is India's highest literary honour, instituted 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith. Given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature in any of the 22 scheduled languages. Cash award ₹11 lakh, citation, bronze replica of Saraswati.
- **Booker Prize (now Booker Prize for Fiction)** established 1969, originally for Commonwealth writers in English. Since 2014, open to any English-language novel published in UK/Ireland. Winner receives £50,000.
- **Sports and gallantry awards** (secondary for this topic): Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna), Arjuna Award; Param Vir Chakra (military), Ashoka Chakra (civilian bravery). Know one or two recent recipients.