Conditions of Eligibility

Awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.

The decoration is conferred by the President by a Sanad under his hand and seal.

Eligible categories

Any person without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex shall be eligible for the award.

Design of the Medal and Ribbon

Medal. The decoration shall be in the form of a peepul leaf, two and five-sixteenth inches in length, one and seven-eighth inches at its greatest breadth and one-eighth of an inch in thickness. It shall be of toned bronze. On its obverse shall be embossed a replica of the Sun five-eighths of an inch in diameter with rays spreading out from five-sixteenths of an inch to half and inch from the centre of the Sun, below which shall be embossed the words BHARAT RATNA in Hindi. On the reverse shall be embossed the State Emblem the motto in Hindi. The Emblem (but not the motto), the Sun and the rim shall be of platinum. The inscriptions shall be of burnished bronze.

Ribbon. The decoration shall be worn round the neck by a white riband one and a half inches in width.

The decoration may be awarded posthumously.