<P> The Indian honours system is the system of awards given to individuals for a variety of services to the Republic of India . </P> <P> The Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954 . Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender is eligible for this award . It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service / performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour . On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion . </P> <P> Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954 . Except for brief interruptions during the years 1977 to 1980 and 1993 to 1997, these awards have been announced every year on Republic Day . The award is given in three categories, viz . Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, in the decreasing order of importance . </P>

Which is the highest civilian award given in india