The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, given for exceptional service to the nation in the fields of science, art, literature, and social work.

C. V. Raman was the first recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1958, for his work on the scattering of light.

C. N. R. Rao is the only scientist to have won the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize twice, in 1968 and 1985, for his work in solid state and materials chemistry.

The National Award for Technology Innovation is given for outstanding contributions to the field of engineering and technology, resulting in the development of new and innovative technologies.

The Dr. B. C. Roy Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of medical research, including the development of new and innovative treatments and therapies.

The Krishi Vigyan Ratna Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural research, including the development of new and innovative agricultural technologies.

The Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar is given for outstanding contributions to the field of environmental science, including the development of new and innovative environmental technologies.

The V. K. R. V. Rao Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of social science, including the development of new and innovative social theories and policies.

The Sahitya Akademi Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of literature, including the writing of new and innovative literary works.

The Lalit Kala Akademi Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of art, including the creation of new and innovative works of art.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of music, including the creation of new and innovative musical works.

The Nritya Choodamani Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of dance, including the creation of new and innovative dance works.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is also given for outstanding contributions to the field of theater, including the creation of new and innovative theatrical works.

The National Film Award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of cinema, including the creation of new and innovative films.