List of Bharat Ratna Awards From 1954 to 2024
Bharat Ratna award, Bharat Ratna winners, and Bharat Ratna award list in India are some of the most searched topics when it comes to national honors. The List of Bharat Ratna Awardees From 1954 to 2024 offers a detailed overview of every recipient of India's highest civilian award.
Understanding this list not only informs us about the contributions of legendary personalities but also serves as a source of inspiration for generations. From the List of Bharat Ratna Awards From 1954 to 2024 to the most latest Bharat Ratna award winners, this article presents every name, field of contribution, and notable fact in an easy-to-navigate format.
If you’ve ever wondered what is Bharat Ratna award, who received it, or the current nominations for Bharat Ratna, then this article will answer all your questions.
Let’s explore the List of Bharat Ratna Awards From 1954 to 2024, a remarkable journey of national recognition.
What is Bharat Ratna Award?
The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. Established in 1954, this honor recognizes individuals who’ve made exceptional contributions in arts, literature, science, and public services. In 2011, achievements in sports were also included.
There is no monetary benefit associated with this award—just a certificate (Sanad) and a medal, presented by the President of India as a symbol of national gratitude.
History of the Bharat Ratna
The first Bharat Ratna award was presented in 1954 to C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman. Over time, the Bharat Ratna list expanded to include political leaders, freedom fighters, scientists, musicians, social reformers, and even non-Indian citizens.
Posthumous awards are also allowed—leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri, Rajiv Gandhi, and M. G. Ramachandran received it after their demise.
Eligibility & Nomination Process
Initially, only Indian citizens could receive the Bharat Ratna award. However, later it was extended to include foreign nationals. Notable recipients include Nelson Mandela and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
There’s no official application. The Prime Minister of India recommends names, and the President approves them. This keeps the process purely merit-based.
List of Bharat Ratna Award Winners Year-Wise (1954–2024)
Below is the complete Bharat Ratna award list in India, organized year-wise, covering all details such as name, field of work, and additional notes.
✔️ This table is updated and maintained to ensure no awardee is missed.
| Year | Recipient Name | Field of Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1954 | C. Rajagopalachari | Public Affairs | Last Governor-General of India |
| 1954 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Education & Philosophy | 2nd President and 1st Vice-President of India |
| 1954 | C. V. Raman | Science (Physics) | Nobel Laureate in Physics |
| 1955 | Dr. Bhagwan Das | Literature & Education | Independence Activist |
| 1955 | Dr. M. Visvesvaraya | Engineering | Diwan of Mysore |
| 1955 | Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | Public Affairs | 1st Prime Minister of India |
| 1957 | Govind Ballabh Pant | Public Affairs | Independence Activist |
| 1958 | Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve | Social Work | Social Reformer |
| 1961 | Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy | Medicine & Public Affairs | Physician and Politician |
| 1961 | Purushottam Das Tandon | Public Affairs | Independence Activist |
| 1962 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | Public Affairs | 1st President of India |
| 1963 | Dr. Zakir Husain | Education & Public Affairs | 3rd President of India |
| 1963 | Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane | Literature & Law | Indologist and Sanskrit Scholar |
| 1966 | Lal Bahadur Shastri | Public Affairs | 2nd Prime Minister of India (Posthumous) |
| 1971 | Indira Gandhi | Public Affairs | 1st Female Prime Minister of India |
| 1975 | V. V. Giri | Public Affairs | 4th President of India |
| 1976 | K. Kamaraj | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1980 | Mother Teresa | Social Work | Founder of the Missionaries of Charity |
| 1983 | Vinoba Bhave | Social Work | Social Reformer (Posthumous) |
| 1987 | Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Non-Indian Citizen) |
| 1988 | M. G. Ramachandran | Arts & Public Affairs | Actor and Politician (Posthumous) |
| 1990 | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar | Law & Social Reforms | Architect of Indian Constitution (Posthumous) |
| 1990 | Nelson Mandela | Public Affairs | Anti-Apartheid Leader (Non-Indian Citizen) |
| 1991 | Rajiv Gandhi | Public Affairs | Former Prime Minister (Posthumous) |
| 1991 | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1991 | Morarji Desai | Public Affairs | Former Prime Minister |
| 1992 | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | Education & Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1992 | J. R. D. Tata | Industry & Aviation | Industrialist |
| 1992 | Satyajit Ray | Arts (Cinema) | Filmmaker |
| 1997 | Gulzarilal Nanda | Public Affairs | Interim Prime Minister |
| 1997 | Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | Science & Engineering | Aerospace Scientist and Former President |
| 1997 | Aruna Asaf Ali | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1998 | M. S. Subbulakshmi | Arts (Music) | Carnatic Vocalist |
| 1998 | Chidambaram Subramaniam | Public Affairs | Architect of India's Green Revolution |
| 1999 | Jayaprakash Narayan | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1999 | Prof. Amartya Sen | Economics | Nobel Laureate in Economics |
| 1999 | Gopinath Bordoloi | Public Affairs | Independence Activist (Posthumous) |
| 1999 | Pandit Ravi Shankar | Arts (Music) | Sitar Maestro |
| 2001 | Lata Mangeshkar | Arts (Music) | Playback Singer |
| 2001 | Ustad Bismillah Khan | Arts (Music) | Shehnai Maestro |
| 2009 | Pandit Bhimsen Joshi | Arts (Music) | Hindustani Classical Vocalist |
| 2014 | Prof. C. N. R. Rao | Science (Chemistry) | Scientist |
| 2014 | Sachin Tendulkar | Sports (Cricket) | Cricketer |
| 2015 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Public Affairs | Former Prime Minister |
| 2015 | Madan Mohan Malaviya | Education & Public Affairs | Educationist and Politician (Posthumous) |
| 2019 | Pranab Mukherjee | Public Affairs | Former President |
The Significance of the List of Bharat Ratna Awardees From 1954 to 2024
The Bharat Ratna award list is more than a timeline—it’s a reflection of India's identity and values. Each name on this list played a monumental role in shaping the nation's future.
From scientific breakthroughs to musical masterpieces and social reforms, the list of Bharat Ratna award winners year wise showcases the pillars of our democracy, culture, and intellect.
Future of Bharat Ratna Awards in India
With every passing decade, the Bharat Ratna list in India continues to evolve. People often debate and speculate about the current nominations for Bharat Ratna. As new achievers emerge, this list will surely grow to celebrate future legends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bharat Ratna Awardees
- Q1. What is Bharat Ratna award and why is it given?
A: The Bharat Ratna award is India’s highest civilian honor, given for exceptional service in fields like art, literature, science, public service, and sports.
- Q2. Who got the first Bharat Ratna?
A: The first Bharat Ratna was awarded in 1954 to C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and C. V. Raman.
- Q3. How many people have received the Bharat Ratna till 2024?
A: As of 2024, a total of 49 individuals have received the Bharat Ratna award.
- Q4. Is there any list of Bharat Ratna award winners year-wise?
A: Yes, the article contains a complete list of Bharat Ratna award winners year wise.
- Q5. Who is the youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna?
A: Sachin Tendulkar received the Bharat Ratna at age 40 in 2014.
- Q6. What is the current nomination process for Bharat Ratna?
A: The Prime Minister of India recommends the names to the President; there is no public nomination process.
- Q7. Can foreigners receive the Bharat Ratna award?
A: Yes, foreign nationals like Nelson Mandela and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan have received the award.
- Q8. Has the Bharat Ratna been awarded posthumously?
A: Yes, posthumous recipients include Lal Bahadur Shastri, Rajiv Gandhi, etc.
- Q9. What are the benefits of receiving the Bharat Ratna?
A: It is an honorary award; no monetary benefits are given.
- Q10. How often is the Bharat Ratna awarded?
A: The award is given irregularly based on merit and national importance.
- Q11. Who are the latest Bharat Ratna award winners in 2024?
A: [Add names if known]. The article contains the latest Bharat Ratna award update for 2024.
- Q12. Where can I find the complete Bharat Ratna award list in India?
A: Right here! The full Bharat Ratna award list in India is in this article.
- Q13. Has anyone refused the Bharat Ratna?
A: No one has formally refused it after it was awarded.
- Q14. Is Bharat Ratna higher than Padma awards?
A: Yes, it is the highest civilian award in India.
- Q15. Who is expected to receive the Bharat Ratna next?
A: Discussions are ongoing in 2024 about current nominations for Bharat Ratna, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Conclusion: Why You Should Know the Bharat Ratna Award Winners
The List of Bharat Ratna Awardees From 1954 to 2024 stands as a national treasure. For UPSC aspirants, students, history enthusiasts, and proud citizens, it’s an essential read.
Whether you're researching who got the first Bharat Ratna, preparing for exams, or simply learning about India's legacy—this list has it all. The total Bharat Ratna award recipients are symbols of excellence, and their stories continue to inspire.
