Objective: Recognitions given for acts of bravery, valour or self-sacrifice both during wartime and peacetime.
Conferred by: President, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces
Ministry: Ministry of Defence invites recommendations twice in a year from the Armed Forces and Union Ministry of Home Affairs for gallantry awards.
Announced twice in a year - First on occasion of Republic Day and then on occasion of Independence Day.
History of Gallantry Awards:
- Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra & Vir Chakra: Instituted in January 26, 1950 (effective from August 15, 1947).
- Ashok Chakra Class First, Ashok Chakra Class Second & Ashok Chakra Class Third: Instituted in 1952 (Effective from August 15, 1947).
  - Renamed: Ashok Chakra Class First, Second, and Third were renamed as Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra, respectively in January 1967.
Benefits: The awardees receive monthly monetary allowance, travel concessions and other benefits.

Types of Gallantry Awards, Criteria, and Benefits:

Category	Name	Features	Eligibility
Wartime (For acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether of land or at sea or in the air)	Param Vir Chakra	India's highest military decoration, similar to the British Victoria Cross, US Medal of Honor, or French Legion of Honor	All ranks of the Naval, Military, Air, Reserve, and Territorial Forces, including medical and nursing staff, and civilians serving under their direction.
	Mahavir Chakra	Second highest military decoration in India
	Vir Chakra	Third highest military decoration in India
Peacetime (Awarded for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle)	Ashoka Chakra	Peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra	All ranks of the Armed Forces, Reserve and Territorial Forces, Nursing Services, Police, Central Para-Military Forces, Railway Protection Force, and civilian citizens.
	Kirti Chakra	Peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra
	Shaurya Chakra	Peacetime equivalent of the Vir Chakra

Other Distinguished Service Awards:

Param Vishisht Seva Medal: For distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal: For distinguished service of an exceptional order.
Vishisht Seva Medal: For distinguished service of a high order.
Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal: For distinguished service of the most exceptional order during War/conflict/hostilities.
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal: For distinguished service of an exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.
Yuddh Seva Medal: For distinguished service of a high order during war/conflict/hostilities.
Sena/Nao Sena/Vayu Sena Medal: Awarded for both i.e. courageous acts as well as Sena Medal for devotion to duty.