Maha Vir Chakra
| Maha Vir Chakra | |
|---|---|
%22%3E%3Ctext%20x%3D%2250%25%22%20y%3D%2250%25%22%20text-anchor%3D%22middle%22%20dominant-baseline%3D%22middle%22%20fill%3D%22%2354595d%22%20font-size%3D%2216%22%20font-family%3D%22sans-serif%22%3EMahavir-chakra%3C%2Ftext%3E%3C%2Fg%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)  Maha Vir Chakra medal and ribbon | |
| Type | Military medal |
| Awarded for | "... acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air." |
| Country |  India |
| Presented by | Government of India |
| Eligibility | Military personnel |
| Status | Currently awarded |
| Established | 26 January 1950 |
| First award | 1947 |
| Final award | 2023 |
| Total awarded posthumously | 74 |
| Total recipients | 213 (as of 2023) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) |  Param Vishisht Seva Medal |
| Equivalent | Kirti Chakra |
| Next (lower) | Padma Shri |
The Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) (lit. 'Medal for Great Bravery') is the second highest military decoration in India, after the Param Vir Chakra, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, whether on land, at sea or in the air. It replaced the British Distinguished Service Order (DSO). The medal may be awarded posthumously.