All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Which one of the following is a Peacetime Gallantry Award?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2017 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (05-Feb-2017)
The correct answer is

Shaurya Chakra

Understanding Indian Gallantry Awards

Indian gallantry awards are military decorations bestowed by the Government of India to recognize and honor acts of bravery and courage by personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and civilians. These awards are broadly categorized based on whether the act of bravery occurred during wartime or peacetime.

Classification of Gallantry Awards

The gallantry awards are classified into two main categories:

  • Wartime Gallantry Awards: Given for bravery and courage displayed during operations against the enemy.
  • Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Given for bravery and courage displayed during operations other than those against the enemy, such as counter-insurgency operations, rescue missions, or other acts of exceptional courage in the face of danger.

Key Gallantry Awards in Order of Precedence

Here are the principal gallantry awards in order of their seniority within their categories:

  • Wartime: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra
  • Peacetime: Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra

There are other service decorations as well, but the question specifically asks about Gallantry Awards.

Analyzing the Given Options

Let's examine each option provided in the question:

  • Shaurya Chakra: This award is given for acts of gallantry other than in the face of the enemy. This falls under the Peacetime Gallantry Awards category.
  • Vir Chakra: This is the third highest wartime gallantry award, given for conspicuous acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
  • Yudh Seva Medal: This is a wartime distinguished service decoration, awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order during war, conflict, or hostilities. It is not classified as a gallantry award in the same category as the Chakra series or PVC series.
  • Param Vir Chakra: This is the highest wartime gallantry award, given for the most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy.

Conclusion Based on Award Classification

Based on the classification of Indian military awards, the Shaurya Chakra is explicitly listed as one of the three main Peacetime Gallantry Awards (along with Ashoka Chakra and Kirti Chakra). The other options, Vir Chakra and Param Vir Chakra, are Wartime Gallantry Awards, and the Yudh Seva Medal is a wartime distinguished service award.

Award Category Description
Param Vir Chakra Wartime Gallantry Highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Maha Vir Chakra Wartime Gallantry Second highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Vir Chakra Wartime Gallantry Third highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Ashoka Chakra Peacetime Gallantry Highest award for bravery away from the battlefield.
Kirti Chakra Peacetime Gallantry Second highest award for bravery away from the battlefield.
Shaurya Chakra Peacetime Gallantry Third highest award for bravery away from the battlefield.
Yudh Seva Medal Wartime Distinguished Service Distinguished service during wartime.

Therefore, among the given options, only the Shaurya Chakra is a Peacetime Gallantry Award.

Revision Table: Indian Military Awards

Award Type Highest Second Highest Third Highest
Gallantry (Wartime) Param Vir Chakra Maha Vir Chakra Vir Chakra
Gallantry (Peacetime) Ashoka Chakra Kirti Chakra Shaurya Chakra
Distinguished Service (Wartime) Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal
Distinguished Service (Peacetime) Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal

Additional Information on Gallantry Awards

The Gallantry Awards are announced twice a year - first on Republic Day and then on Independence Day. The awards are open to personnel of all branches of the Indian Armed Forces, as well as civilians from either sex in all walks of life. The PVC and AC can also be awarded posthumously.

It's important to distinguish between gallantry awards (for acts of bravery) and distinguished service awards (for meritorious service of a high order).

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Which one of the following statements. about the Wassenaar Arrangement is not correct?
  2. Which of the following is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure ?

  3. The Headquarters of the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy is located at which one of the following places?

  4. The rank of Captain of the Indian Navy is equivalent to which one of the following?

  5. Which one of the following statements is correct in relation to the Indian Air Force?

  6. The rank of Major General in the Indian Army is equivalent to:

  7. Who is the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee?

  8. Which one of the following is not an Air Defence Missile system?

  9. Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is _________.

  10. Which one of the following statements is correct?


Important Questions from Defence

  1. The recent largest ever coastal defence exercise is conducted by the Indian Navy is named as:

  2. In which of the following places is the headquarters of Eastern Command of Indian Army located?

  3. The Indian Navy and Russian Navy commenced the 11 th edition of bilateral maritime exercise called ______ 2020.

  4. In November 2020, Indian Navy's fifth Scorpene class submarine ________ was launched at Mumbai's Mazagon Dock.

  5. A system of rules that takes effect when a military authority takes control of the normal administration of justice is called ________.

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1135 Attempts
4.3(168)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App