Valor decoration
Param Vir Chakra
India's highest military award for extreme bravery and self-sacrifice facing enemies in wartime on land, sea, or air.
India Established 1950 All servicesPrecedence: 1st in military order of wear (second overall after the civilian Bharat Ratna)
Medals & Awards
Awarded For
Awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or daring act of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
Eligibility
Open to all officers and enlisted personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as nursing and reserve forces.
Branch
All services
Precedence
1st in military order of wear (second overall after the civilian Bharat Ratna)
History
The Param Vir Chakra was created on January 26, 1950, by the President of India when India became a republic. It replaced the British Victoria Cross as the country's highest combat award. The award was backdated to August 15, 1947, to recognize soldiers who fought in the first war in Kashmir.
The medal was designed by Savitri Khanolkar, who used Indian history and mythology to craft its symbols, including the thunderbolt of the ancient sage Dadhichi. Over the decades, it has remained very rare and is awarded only for the most extraordinary bravery facing the enemy, often given after a soldier has died.
Frequently Asked Questions
Used In
Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948Sino-Indian War of 1962Indo-Pakistani War of 1965Indo-Pakistani War of 1971Kargil War of 1999
