The Government of India had been conferring the award to children for their exceptional achievements. The awards were given to children for their merit in innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service, music or any other field which deserves recognition. The awards for child welfare were also conferred to Individuals and Institutions. These awards were given in the following categories:
1. National Child Award for Exceptional Achievements - since 1996
2. National Child Welfare Award(Individual) - since 1979
3. National Child Welfare Award(Institution) - since 1979
4. Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award - since 1994
