Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian honour in India. The Government of India awards it for exceptional service to the nation. It covers arts, literature, science, public service, and sports. Every UPSC and state PCS aspirant must know this topic thoroughly.
This article covers all key facts, award winners, eligibility rules, and recent recipients.
For structured preparation, explore UPSC coaching in Assam offering expert guidance, updated study material, and result-oriented strategies.
Bharat Ratna: Overview and Key Facts
The Government of India established Bharat Ratna in 1954. President Rajendra Prasad introduced this prestigious honour. The award carries no monetary benefit. However, recipients enjoy several state privileges and protocol courtesies.
Basic Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 1954 |
| Instituted by | Government of India |
| Awarded by | President of India |
| Nature | Civilian Honour (no monetary value) |
| Maximum per year | 3 (as per rules) |
| Total recipients (as of 2024) | 53 |
| Recommendation authority | Prime Minister of India |
| Fields covered | Arts, Literature, Science, Public Service, Sports |
Bharat Ratna Award: History and Background
The Statutes of the Bharat Ratna Award originally only covered arts, literature, and science. In the later course of time, the government expanded the scope. Moreover, in 2013, the government included sports as an eligible field. In 1954, the award was first presented to three recipients at once.
The Bharat Ratna Medallion Design
The Bharat Ratna award has a distinctive design. It takes the shape of a peepal leaf (sacred fig leaf). The front features a sun with the words ‘Bharat Ratna‘ inscribed in Devanagari script. The reverse side carries the State Emblem of India along with the motto ‘Satyameva Jayate’. The medal hangs from a white ribbon.
Who Gives the Bharat Ratna Award?
The President of India presents the Bharat Ratna award. However, the Prime Minister recommends the name to the President. There is no formal application or nomination process. The government selects recipients based on exceptional contribution to national life.
- The award does not carry any monetary prize.
- The award does not form part of the official State orders of precedence.
- The government can award it posthumously.
- It can be awarded to non-Indian citizens in exceptional cases.
Bharat Ratna Award Winners: Complete List of Key Recipients
The government has awarded Bharat Ratna to 53 recipients so far. Below is a list of important recipients.
First Three Recipients (1954)
| Recipient | Field | Year |
| C. Rajagopalachari | Public Service / Statesman | 1954 |
| Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Philosophy / Education | 1954 |
| Dr. C.V. Raman | Science (Physics) | 1954 |
Who Was the First Indian Woman to Receive Bharat Ratna?
Indira Gandhi was the first Indian woman to receive the Bharat Ratna. She received the award in 1971. She served as Prime Minister of India twice. Her leadership during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War brought her national and international recognition.
Other Notable Bharat Ratna Award Winners
| Recipient | Field | Year | Key Fact |
| Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | Social Reform / Law | 1990 (Posthumous) | Architect of Indian Constitution |
| Nelson Mandela | Public Service | 1990 | First non-Indian recipient |
| Satyajit Ray | Cinema / Arts | 1992 | Received while hospitalised |
| M.S. Subbulakshmi | Classical Music | 1998 | First musician to receive it |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Public Service / Politics | 2015 | Former PM of India |
| Madan Mohan Malaviya | Education | 2015 (Posthumous) | Founder, BHU |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Sports (Cricket) | 2014 | First sportsperson to receive it |
| Lal Krishna Advani | Public Service | 2024 | Senior political leader |
| Karpoori Thakur | Social Service | 2024 (Posthumous) | Former Bihar CM |
| M.S. Swaminathan | Agriculture | 2024 (Posthumous) | Father of Green Revolution |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh | Public Service | 2024 (Posthumous) | Former PM of India |
| P.V. Narasimha Rao | Public Service | 2024 (Posthumous) | Former PM; economic reforms |
Firsts and Records in Bharat Ratna History
These firsts are extremely important for UPSC Prelims and state PCS exams. Candidates should memorise them carefully.
- First recipient: C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. C.V. Raman (all in 1954)
- First woman: Indira Gandhi (1971)
- First sportsperson: Sachin Tendulkar (2014)
- First non-Indian: Nelson Mandela (1990)
- First posthumous award: Lal Bahadur Shastri (1966). He was popular for his slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’.
- First musician: M.S. Subbulakshmi (1998)
- First scientist: Dr. C.V. Raman (1954)
Bharat Ratna 2024: Recent Winners
The government announced five Bharat Ratna awards in 2024. This was a record number in a single year. Aspirants must note these names for current affairs sections of exams.
| Name | Field | Reason |
| Karpoori Thakur (Posthumous) | Social Service | OBC champion, former Bihar CM |
| L.K. Advani | Politics | Senior leader, former Deputy PM |
| P.V. Narasimha Rao (Posthumous) | Politics / Economics | Initiated 1991 economic reforms |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh (Posthumous) | Agriculture / Politics | Former PM; farmer advocate |
| M.S. Swaminathan (Posthumous) | Agriculture | Father of India’s Green Revolution |
Stay updated with currentaffairs to track important awards like Bharat Ratna for competitive exam preparation.
Bharat Ratna vs Other Civilian Awards: Key Difference
Many candidates confuse Bharat Ratna with other civilian awards. The table below clearly shows the hierarchy of civilian honours in India.
| Award | Rank | Established |
| Bharat Ratna | 1st (Highest) | 1954 |
| Padma Vibhushan | 2nd | 1954 |
| Padma Bhushan | 3rd | 1954 |
| Padma Shri | 4th | 1954 |
All four awards were established in 1954. The President of India presents all of them. However, Bharat Ratna stands apart. It recognises exceptional service of the highest order. Padma awards recognise distinguished service in specific fields.
Eligibility and Rules for Bharat Ratna Award
- Firstly, any person is eligible for the Bharat Ratna, regardless of race, occupation, or gender.
- Moreover, the government can also award non-Indian citizens in special cases.
- Additionally, the government can confer a maximum of three Bharat Ratna awards in a year.
- Furthermore, there is no formal nomination process for this award.
- Instead, the Prime Minister recommends the names to the President.
- However, recipients cannot use “Bharat Ratna” as a prefix before their name.
- Finally, the award does not include any cash prize or pension.
Bharat Ratna Recipients from Northeast India
Aspirants preparing for APSC, Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission exams and other Northeast state exams should note these recipients:
- Bhupen Hazarika – Legendary singer from Assam, awarded Bharat Ratna in 2019 (Posthumous).
Bhupen Hazarika was a cultural icon of Assam. His music represented the soul of the Brahmaputra. The government awarded him Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Bharat Ratna stands as the highest civilian award in India, honouring individuals for their exceptional service to the nation. It recognises contributions in fields like arts, literature, science, public service, and sports. Moreover, its strict rules and limited number of awards each year highlight its prestige and value.
Furthermore, the award reflects India’s respect for excellence and dedication. Therefore, understanding the Bharat Ratna award, its eligibility, history, and notable winners is very important for UPSC, APSC, and other competitive exams.
Overall, the Bharat Ratna award in India continues to inspire individuals to contribute to national development and excellence. Hence, it remains a symbol of the highest honour and recognition in Indian society.
Source:
Frequently Asked Questions:
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. Moreover, the government gives it for exceptional service in fields like arts, science, literature, public service, and sports.
The President of India presents the Bharat Ratna award. However, the Prime Minister recommends the names for this honour.
Any person is eligible for the Bharat Ratna award, regardless of nationality, profession, or gender. Additionally, the government can also award it to non-Indians in special cases.
No, the Bharat Ratna award does not include any cash prize or pension. However, recipients receive high recognition and state honours.
Firstly, the Government of India awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 to three distinguished individuals. These were C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and Dr. C.V. Raman. Therefore, they became the first recipients of the Bharat Ratna award in India.
