Key Difference: The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in India. The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in India. The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in India.

Each country has its own set of awards that are bestowed upon its citizens for excelling in a specific field. The Padma Awards are the India’s highest civilian awards that are awarded to its Indian citizens. However, it can also be awarded to foreign citizens. There are four main awards are Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri. According to the Government of India, these awards are given in all disciplines/ fields of activities such as visual arts, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

The three different awards are given for different quality of work in the field. The Padma awards consist of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Bharat Ratna with increasing order of merit. These awards are given each year following a selection, with the exception of the Bharat Ratna, which is not awarded every year. The award system was approved and established in 1954. The awards are announced on Republic Day each year.

The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in India. It is awarded to recognize exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in any field. The awarded receives a medal and a citation from the President of India. The award consists of a bronze medallion with lotus on the front between the words ‘Padma Vibhushan’ written in devangari and the Indian emblem on the back.

The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in India. It is awarded to recognize distinguished service of high order by a citizen in a specific field.  The award consists of a gold colored medallion with a lotus on the front between the words ‘Padma Bhushan’ written in devangari script and the Indian emblem on the back.

The Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in India. It is awarded to recognize distinguished service in any field. The award consists of a bronze medallion with a lotus on the front between the words ‘Padma Shri’ written in devangari script and the Indian emblem on the back.