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Question 1 of 20
The Padma Bhushan is the __________ highest civilian award in the Republic of India.
π Medium Padma Bhushan
Padma Bhushan
20 Questions Awards & Honours
A collection of 20 high-quality MCQ questions covering the history, significance, and awardees of the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour.
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Question 2 of 20
In which year were the Padma Awards, including the Padma Bhushan, instituted?
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Question 3 of 20
Which of the following statements regarding the Padma Bhushan is incorrect?
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Question 4 of 20
Who among the following was the first sportsperson to be awarded the Padma Bhushan?
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Question 5 of 20
The Padma Awards are announced every year on the occasion of:
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Question 6 of 20
Which authority is responsible for the final selection of Padma Bhushan awardees?
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Question 7 of 20
Can the Padma Bhushan be awarded posthumously?
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Question 8 of 20
Which of the following is the physical form of the Padma Bhushan award?
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Question 9 of 20
Who was the first film personality to be awarded the Padma Bhushan?
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Question 10 of 20
Which legendary singer declined the Padma Bhushan in 1969, later receiving it in 1999?
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Question 11 of 20
Which of the following fields is NOT considered for the Padma Bhushan?
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Question 12 of 20
Which Indian state has seen the highest number of Padma Bhushan recipients historically?
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Question 13 of 20
The design of the Padma Bhushan medallion features a __________ pattern.
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Question 14 of 20
Who was the first woman to receive the Padma Bhushan?
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Question 15 of 20
Can an Indian citizen who has already received the Padma Shri receive the Padma Bhushan later?
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Question 16 of 20
Which Nobel laureate received the Padma Bhushan in 1966?
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Question 17 of 20
Is the Padma Bhushan awardee entitled to use the award as a title prefix or suffix to their name?
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Question 18 of 20
Which of these famous authors received the Padma Bhushan?
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Question 19 of 20
The ceremony for the presentation of the Padma awards is held at:
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Question 20 of 20
Which specific metal is used for the standard Padma Bhushan medallion?
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Important Notes β Padma Bhushan
Overview and Significance of Padma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, following the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan. Instituted on January 2, 1954, it is conferred by the President of India to recognize "distinguished service of a high order" in any field of activity, including government service, literature, arts, sports, science, and public affairs.
Key Characteristics
- Eligibility: The award is open to all persons without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender.
- Criteria: It is awarded for distinguished service of a high order, which implies a level of excellence higher than that required for the Padma Shri.
- Nature of Award: The decoration consists of a sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medallion. Unlike some state awards, it does not carry any monetary grant or title (as per the Supreme Court ruling on Article 18 of the Constitution).
Procedural Details and Eligibility Norms
The process for selecting recipients is rigorous, ensuring the award maintains its prestige for competitive exam aspirants to remember.
- Nominations: The awards are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day (January 26). Nominations are invited from the public, State Governments, Union Territories, and Ministries.
- Selection Committee: Recommendations are submitted to the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister. The final list is approved by the Prime Minister and the President.
- Numerical Limits: The total number of awards (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners) is limited to 120 per year.
- Frequency: The award is traditionally conferred once a year. However, it can be interrupted in specific years (it was suspended briefly in 1977, 1980, and between 1993β1997).
- Posthumous Conferment: While the award is intended for living persons, it can be awarded posthumously in highly exceptional circumstances.
Exam-Oriented Trivia for UPSC/SSC
- First Recipients: In 1954, the inaugural year, several eminent personalities received the Padma Bhushan, including Homi Jehangir Bhabha (Science and Engineering) and Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar (Science and Engineering).
- Distinction: A recipient of the Padma Shri can be considered for the Padma Bhushan after a gap of at least five years. However, this condition can be relaxed in highly meritorious cases.
- Status: It is not a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the recipient's name.
- Refusals: Several high-profile individuals have declined the award over the years, which is a common topic in GK-based current affairs questions.
These notes provide the foundational knowledge required for preliminary and mains-level exams regarding Indiaβs civilian honors hierarchy and constitutional context.