In which year did the Government of India start the distribution of the Bharat Ratna award?

Introduction / Context:
Knowing the starting year of major national awards is a common requirement in general knowledge, especially for Indian competitive examinations. The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, and questions often ask about the year in which it was instituted or first conferred.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is Bharat Ratna.
• The question asks for the year in which its distribution started.
• The options are four early years after Independence: 1954, 1956, 1952 and 1950.

Concept / Approach:
Bharat Ratna was instituted in 1954. The first recipients were honoured that year. It is important to distinguish this year from other landmark dates such as the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 or other award related changes in later years. Remembering that Bharat Ratna is a post Independence but early Republic award helps place it correctly in the 1950s.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that Bharat Ratna is tied to the Republic of India and not to the pre Independence period. Step 2: Recall that the award was instituted early in the 1950s, shortly after the Republic came into effect. Step 3: Match this memory with 1954, which is the widely accepted year for the start of Bharat Ratna awards. Step 4: Select 1954 as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you remember some of the earliest Bharat Ratna awardees and know that they were honoured in the mid 1950s, this reinforces the year 1954. Checking timelines for other awards like Padma series can also help keep such dates distinct in your memory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 1956: Later than the actual institution year; by then, the award already existed.
• 1952: Too early relative to the commonly documented date for the start of Bharat Ratna distribution.
• 1950: This year is associated more with the coming into force of the Constitution and Republic Day, not with the start of Bharat Ratna.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates mix up various important early Republic dates. To avoid confusion, anchor 1950 in your mind for the Constitution and 1954 for the start of Bharat Ratna. Keeping a simple mental timeline of major post Independence events is very helpful for such questions.

Final Answer:
The distribution of the Bharat Ratna award started in the year 1954.