History question from Sub Inspector exam, 2022 by JKSSB
The Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Abhinandan Varthaman was accorded with which of the following gallantry awards (2021), for shooting down a Pakistani F-16 fighter aircraft during aerial combat in February, 2019?
Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
Vir Chakra
Group Captain (then Wing Commander) Abhinandan Varthaman was conferred the Vir Chakra by President Ram Nath Kovind on November 22, 2021. This honor recognized his "conspicuous courage" and "devotion to duty" during the aerial skirmish with Pakistan on February 27, 2019.
Context of the Award
The award stems from the high-altitude dogfight that took place a day after the Balakot airstrike.
The Feat: Flying a MiG-21 Bison, Abhinandan shot down a much more advanced Pakistani F-16 aircraft before his own plane was hit.
The Captivity: After ejecting, he landed in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), where he was taken into custody for approximately 60 hours before being released as a "gesture of peace."
Significance: The Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, following the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
