Complete list of Param Vir Chakra winners with year, rank, and war details
The Paramvir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded for displaying extraordinary bravery and valor in the presence of the enemy in India. Instituted on 26 January 1950, it is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of all branches of the Indian Armed Forces. The Paramvir Chakra Awardees are celebrated as national heroes for their supreme sacrifice and exceptional courage during war. This topic holds great importance for students preparing for competitive exams, defense services examinations, and general knowledge tests.
About Paramvir Chakra
The Paramvir Chakra, often abbreviated as PVC, is India’s highest wartime gallantry award. The name means "Wheel of the Ultimate Brave". It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self sacrifice in the face of the enemy, whether on land, at sea, or in the air.
- Established on 26 January 1950
- First awarded for actions in the Indo Pakistan War of 1947-48
- Can be awarded posthumously
- Equivalent to the Medal of Honor in the USA and Victoria Cross in the UK
List of Paramvir Chakra Awardees
Complete List of Paramvir Chakra Awardees
| S.No | Name | Conflict |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Major Somnath Sharma | Indo Pakistan War 1947-48 |
| 2 | Naik Jadunath Singh | Indo Pakistan War 1947-48 |
| 3 | 2nd Lt Rama Raghoba Rane | Indo Pakistan War 1947-48 |
| 4 | Company Havildar Major Piru Singh | Indo Pakistan War 1947-48 |
| 5 | Lance Naik Karam Singh | Indo Pakistan War 1947-48 |
| 6 | Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria | Congo Operation 1961 |
| 7 | Major Dhan Singh Thapa | Indo China War 1962 |
| 8 | Subedar Joginder Singh | Indo China War 1962 |
| 9 | Major Shaitan Singh | Indo China War 1962 |
| 10 | Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid | Indo Pakistan War 1965 |
| 11 | Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore | Indo Pakistan War 1965 |
| 12 | Lance Naik Albert Ekka | Indo Pakistan War 1971 |
| 13 | Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon | Indo Pakistan War 1971 |
| 14 | 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal | Indo Pakistan War 1971 |
| 15 | Major Hoshiar Singh | Indo Pakistan War 1971 |
| 16 | Naib Subedar Bana Singh | Siachen Conflict 1987 |
| 17 | Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran | Operation Pawan 1987 |
| 18 | Captain Vikram Batra | Kargil War 1999 |
| 19 | Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey | Kargil War 1999 |
| 20 | Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav | Kargil War 1999 |
| 21 | Rifleman Sanjay Kumar | Kargil War 1999 |
As of now, a total of 21 Paramvir Chakra awardees have been honored. Among them, only a few recipients are alive, while most were awarded posthumously for their supreme sacrifice in protecting the nation.
Conflicts in Which Paramvir Chakra Was Awarded
- Indo Pakistan War 1947-48
- Congo Operation 1961
- Indo China War 1962
- Indo Pakistan War 1965
- Indo Pakistan War 1971
- Siachen Conflict 1987
- Operation Pawan 1987
- Kargil War 1999
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
- First Paramvir Chakra recipient - Major Somnath Sharma
- Only Indian Air Force officer awarded - Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon
- Youngest recipient - 2nd Lt Arun Khetarpal
- Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar are among the living recipients
- The medal is made of bronze and bears the national emblem at the center
Why Paramvir Chakra Awardees Are Important in General Knowledge
The Paramvir Chakra Awardees symbolize the highest ideals of courage, patriotism, and sacrifice. Questions related to these awardees frequently appear in competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, NDA, CDS, state PSC exams, and various defense recruitment tests. Knowing the names, conflicts, and key facts about these heroes strengthens both static GK and defense related awareness.
Understanding the List of Paramvir Chakra Awardees not only helps in examinations but also builds respect and awareness about India’s military history. Their stories inspire generations and highlight the supreme sacrifices made to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
FAQs on Param Vir Chakra Awardees List – Complete Details of India’s Highest Gallantry Heroes
1. Who are the Paramvir Chakra awardees?
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees are the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have received India's highest wartime gallantry award for extraordinary courage in the presence of the enemy.
• Awarded for most conspicuous bravery and supreme sacrifice
• Given to personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Many awardees were honoured posthumously
• Total PVC awardees so far: 21
This list of Paramvir Chakra awardees is important for GK, UPSC, SSC, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams.
2. How many Param Vir Chakra awardees are there in India?
India has a total of 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees since the award was established in 1950.
• First awarded during the Indo-Pak War of 1947–48
• Majority were honoured during major wars like:
- 1947–48 War
- 1962 Indo-China War
- 1965 Indo-Pak War
- 1971 Indo-Pak War
- Kargil War (1999)
The number of Param Vir Chakra winners is a frequently asked question in competitive exams and general knowledge quizzes.
3. Who was the first Param Vir Chakra awardee?
The first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra was Major Somnath Sharma.
• Awarded for bravery in the Battle of Badgam (1947)
• Played a crucial role in defending Srinagar Airport
• Honoured posthumously
Major Somnath Sharma's courage set the highest standard for gallantry awards in India.
4. Who was the first living recipient of the Param Vir Chakra?
The first living Param Vir Chakra awardee was Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid.
• Awarded during the 1965 Indo-Pak War
• Destroyed several enemy tanks in the Battle of Asal Uttar
• Demonstrated exceptional bravery against heavy odds
He is remembered as one of India’s greatest war heroes.
5. Who are the Param Vir Chakra awardees of the Kargil War?
Four soldiers received the Param Vir Chakra for their bravery during the Kargil War (1999).
• Captain Vikram Batra (Posthumous)
• Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (Posthumous)
• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
• Rifleman Sanjay Kumar
Their heroic actions in operations like Operation Vijay are widely covered in GK and defence-related questions.
6. What is the significance of the Param Vir Chakra?
The Param Vir Chakra is India’s highest wartime gallantry award, symbolizing supreme bravery and sacrifice.
• Equivalent to the Medal of Honor (USA) and Victoria Cross (UK)
• Awarded only during wartime
• Recognizes acts of extraordinary valor in combat
It represents the highest level of courage in the Indian Armed Forces.
7. Who was the youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee?
The youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee was Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal.
• Awarded during the 1971 Indo-Pak War
• Displayed exceptional bravery in the Battle of Basantar
• Honoured posthumously at the age of 21 years
His story is frequently asked in defence GK and military history topics.
8. Who was the first Param Vir Chakra awardee from the Indian Air Force?
The first and only officer from the Indian Air Force to receive the Param Vir Chakra was Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.
• Awarded during the 1971 Indo-Pak War
• Defended Srinagar Airbase against enemy aircraft
• Honoured posthumously
He remains the sole IAF recipient of the highest wartime gallantry award.
9. Is the Param Vir Chakra awarded only during war?
Yes, the Param Vir Chakra is awarded strictly for acts of bravery during wartime.
• Given in the presence of the enemy
• Not awarded during peacetime operations
• Peacetime equivalent award is the Ashoka Chakra
This distinction between wartime and peacetime gallantry awards is important for competitive exam preparation.
10. Who are the living Param Vir Chakra awardees?
Currently, the living recipients of the Param Vir Chakra are:
• Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Bana Singh
• Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav
• Subedar Sanjay Kumar
These living Paramvir Chakra awardees are often highlighted in current affairs, defence studies, and People Also Ask (PAA) queries related to India’s highest military honors.
