Explanation – The order of precedence for these gallantry awards is as follows: Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra. Gallantry awards in India are instituted by the Government of India to honor acts of bravery and sacrifice by the officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted forces, and civilians. These awards recognize exceptional courage, valor, and self-sacrifice in both wartime and peacetime scenarios. These awards are given on Independence Day and Republic Day.

Wartime Gallantry Awards

• Param Vir Chakra: The highest military award in India, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valor or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
• Maha Vir Chakra: The second-highest military decoration, awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
• Vir Chakra: The third-highest wartime gallantry award, given for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards

• Ashoka Chakra: The highest peacetime military award for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
• Kirti Chakra: The second-highest peacetime gallantry award, awarded for conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
• Shaurya Chakra: The third-highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of gallantry away from the battlefield.

Source: The Hindu