1)Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice, in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
2)Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) and Vir Chakra (VRC) are awarded for acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, at or in the air. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
3)Sena Medal (SM), Nao Sena Medal (NM) and Vayu Sena Medal (VM) are awarded for such individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage as have special significance for the Army, Navy ad Air Force respectively. Awards may be made Posthumously.
4)Mention in despatches (MD) is awarded in order to recognize distinguished and meritorious service in operational areas and acts of gallantry which are not of sufficiently high order to warrant the grant of gallantry awards. Names may be included posthumously.
5)Ashok Chakra (AC) is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, or some act of daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
6)Kirti Chakra (KC) and Shourya Chakra (SC) are awarded for conspicuous gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may be awarded posthumously.
7)Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war / conflict / hostilities. The medal may be awarded osthumously.
8)Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) is awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order during war / conflict / hostilities. The medal may be awarded posthumously.
9)Yudh Seva Medal (YDM) is awarded for distinguished service during war / conflict / hostilities. The Medal may be awarded posthumously.
10)Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) is awaded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
11)Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) is awarded for distinguished service of exceptional order.
12)Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) is awarded for distinguished service high order.
