History

This medal is conferred upon Indian Armed Forces personnel and civilians, including members of the Police Forces, Railway Forces, and Paramilitary Forces, for acts of gallantry or self-sacrifice during peace time. It can be awarded posthumously.

Until 1967, this medal was known as the Ashoka Chakra, Class II. Following 1967, the class based award system was abolished and the medals were renamed.

The addition of a bar to the ribbon signifies additional awards.

The reverse features inscriptions in Hindi and English. The Hindi inscription reads as "Kirti Chakra".