1
In the hierarchy of Indian civilian awards, the Padma Shri is ranked at which position?
🏆 Padma Shri
Padma Shri
By Priya Sharma · Static GK Expert
50 Questions Awards & Honours
A comprehensive collection of 20 multiple-choice questions covering the history, significance, and notable recipients of India's fourth-highest civilian award.
2
In which year were the Padma Awards, including Padma Shri, instituted by the Government of India?
3
Who among the following was the first sportsperson to be awarded the Padma Shri?
4
Which of the following statements regarding the Padma Shri is incorrect?
5
Which film personality was the first to receive the Padma Shri award?
6
The Padma Shri award consists of a certificate and a medallion; what is the shape of the medallion?
7
Which of these fields is NOT traditionally considered for the Padma Shri award?
8
Who was the first musician to be awarded the Padma Shri?
9
In which year were the Padma Awards NOT conferred at all due to political reasons?
10
Which industrialist became the first to receive the Padma Shri for his contribution to Trade and Industry?
11
The design of the Padma Shri medallion features a lotus flower; how many petals are depicted on the design?
12
Which of the following is true about the eligibility for Padma Shri?
13
Who was the first female scientist to receive the Padma Shri?
14
Which of these Indian states has the highest record of Padma Shri nominations generally?
15
Padma Shri recipients are listed in the 'Table of Precedence' of the Government of India. Where do they stand?
16
What happens if a recipient refuses the Padma Shri award?
17
Which legendary Indian athlete returned his Padma Shri in protest during the 2020-21 farmers' protests?
18
The selection of Padma Shri awardees is done by a committee constituted by whom?
19
Can the Padma Shri award be used as a suffix or prefix to the name of the recipient?
20
Which of the following artists received the Padma Shri in 1954, the inaugural year?
21
The Padma Shri award is announced annually on the occasion of which national event?
22
Which of the following describes the metal composition of the Padma Shri medallion?
23
Which Indian author was the first to decline the Padma Shri award in 1968?
24
What is the maximum number of Padma Shri awards that can be conferred in a single year, excluding posthumous and NRI/Foreigner cases?
25
Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in which of the following diverse fields?
26
Which legendary dancer, known for popularizing Indian classical dance globally, was awarded the Padma Shri in 1966?
27
What is the primary criteria for selecting Padma Shri awardees?
28
The Padma Awards Committee is headed by whom?
29
Can a person who has already received a Padma Shri be considered for a higher Padma award (like Padma Bhushan)?
30
Which Indian state/UT has historically been a significant hub for producing Padma Shri awardees in the field of 'Literature and Education'?
31
Who was the first Indian actor to be awarded the Padma Shri?
32
In the context of the Padma Shri, what does the term 'posthumous' imply?
33
The Padma Shri award is officially presented by whom?
34
Which iconic Indian mountaineer was awarded the Padma Shri in 1965?
35
Which field was added to the Padma Awards category list to recognize those working for the betterment of the community?
36
What is the significance of the Padma Shri in the Indian Table of Precedence?
37
Who was the first recipient of the Padma Shri for his contributions in the field of 'Yoga'?
38
The 'Padma Shri' medallion's central motif is surrounded by what geometric arrangement?
39
Under the rules, can a serving employee of any Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) receive a Padma Shri?
40
Which famous Indian cartoonist received the Padma Shri in 1971?
41
Which specific metallic material is primarily used to craft the standard Padma Shri medallion?
42
Who chaired the first-ever Padma Awards Committee formed in 1954?
43
Regarding the Padma Shri nomination process, who can submit recommendations for the award?
44
What is the mandatory time gap required before a recipient of a Padma Shri can be considered for the Padma Bhushan?
45
Which Indian state has the record for receiving the highest number of Padma Shri awards in a single year during the 2020s?
46
The Padma Shri medallion features a lotus flower embossed in the center. What is the floral symbol of the Padma Shri referred to as in Hindi?
47
Which of the following professional groups is generally NOT eligible for the Padma Shri?
48
In which year did the government resume the Padma awards after a temporary suspension between 1977 and 1980?
49
The inscription 'Padma Shri' on the obverse of the medallion is written in which script?
50
Which legendary Indian film director refused the Padma Shri in 1970 citing personal reasons?
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Important Notes — Padma Shri
Overview and Significance of the Padma Shri
The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, following the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan. It is conferred by the President of India on the occasion of Republic Day annually.
Key Objectives and Criteria
- Purpose: Recognizes distinguished service in any field of activity, including Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science and Engineering, Trade and Industry, Medicine, Literature and Education, Sports, and Civil Service.
- Eligibility: It is awarded to citizens of India regardless of race, occupation, position, or sex. Persons of distinction in other fields are also considered.
- Exclusions: Government servants, including those working with PSUs (except doctors and scientists), are generally ineligible.
- Nature of Award: The award does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the name of the recipient (per Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India).
Historical Context and Selection Process
Origin and Evolution
- Established: Instituted in 1954.
- Suspensions: The awards were briefly suspended only twice: from 1977 to 1980 and from 1993 to 1997.
Selection Mechanism
- Recommendations: Recommendations for the awards are invited from all State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, Ministries of the Government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, and various professional bodies.
- Padma Awards Committee: An Awards Committee is constituted annually by the Prime Minister to scrutinize all nominations. The final list is approved by the Prime Minister and the President of India.
- Limitations: The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners) is limited to 120.
Exam-Oriented Highlights for UPSC/SSC
- First Recipients: In 1954, the first year of the awards, there were several recipients, including notable figures like Balraj Sahni (Art) and Birju Maharaj (Art).
- International Recipients: The Padma Shri is also conferred upon non-citizens, including PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cardholders.
- Distinction: Unlike the Bharat Ratna, which is restricted to a maximum of three individuals per year, the Padma Shri can be awarded to a higher number of individuals annually, reflecting its broader scope of recognition.
- Legal Precedent: In the Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India (1996) case, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of civilian awards, clarifying that they are not 'titles' under Article 18 and should not be used as such by the recipients.
*Note: Aspirants preparing for competitive exams should focus on the list of current-year recipients from their home state and any unique sports or social work categories for current affairs sections.*
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About the Author
PS
Priya Sharma Static GK Expert
Indian History · Geography · Polity & Economy Specialist
With 8+ years of teaching static GK for competitive exams, Priya has helped thousands of students master the foundational subjects that appear year after year in UPSC, SSC, and Railway exams. She focuses on making history, geography, and polity approachable through well-structured MCQs and memorable explanations.
