The Indian Military System is primarily recognised by the Indian government. The honour bestowed by the patriotic award can be put into categories namely:
Wartime Gallantry Awards
Param Vir Chakra
This award is the highest military award. It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or prominent act of valour or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy on land, sea or air.
Maha Vir Chakra
The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) is the second highest decoration. It is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air.
Vir Chakra
The Vir Chakra is the third in the order of awards for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy on land, sea or air.
Peacetime Gallantry Awards
Ashok Chakra
- This award was instituted on the 4th of January in 1952.
- This award is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra.
- This award can be awarded to the military as well as civilian personnel and can be awarded posthumously.
Awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring act of valour or self-sacrifice on land, at sea or in the air.
Kirti Chakra
Awarded for conspicuous gallantry.
Shaurya Chakra:
This is awarded for gallantry other than in the face of the enemy. This award may be granted to civilians or to military personnel and may be awarded posthumously.
- It is the peacetime equivalent to Vir Chakra.
- It is generally awarded for counter-insurgency operations and action against the enemy during peacetime.
- It is 3rd in order of precedence of peacetime gallantry award and comes after Ashoka Chakra and Kriti Chakra.
Wartime/Peacetime service and gallantry awards
- Sena Medal
- Nao Sena Medal
- Vayusena Medal
Wartime Distinguished Service
- Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal
- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
- Yudh Seva Medal
Peacetime Distinguished Service
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
- Vishisht Seva Medal