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Gallantry Awards 2026 on the 77th Republic Day recognise 70 Armed Forces personnel, including six posthumously, for exceptional bravery and service. Awards include Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Sena Medal, Nao Sena Medal, and Vayu Sena Medal across wartime and peacetime operations.
Gallantry Awards 2026: The spirit of Republic Day in India is not just about the grand parade on Kartavya Path; it is deeply rooted in recognizing valor and self-sacrifice. On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, approved gallantry awards 2026 India, recognising acts of courage, devotion to duty, and exceptional service to the nation. The approvals also include a large number of defence gallantry awards 2026 and military decorations for distinguished service across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security organisations.
Personnel from different ranks and services have been honoured for displaying exemplary bravery in challenging operational conditions. These awards reflect the continued commitment of the Armed Forces towards safeguarding national security and maintaining peace in diverse and demanding environments.
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Gallantry Awards in India are a way to honor acts of bravery and sacrifice by personnel from various forces and civilians. These awards are announced twice a year, on Republic Day and Independence Day, to recognize exceptional acts of courage.
| Criteria | Gallantry in the Face of Enemy | Gallantry Other than in the Face of Enemy |
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The gallantry awards meaning goes beyond a mere medal; The Indian gallantry awards list represents the highest form of recognition bestowed upon members of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted forces, and civilians for acts of bravery and sacrifice. These honors are announced twice a year—once on Republic Day and again on Independence Day—to keep the stories of heroism alive in the national consciousness.
There are two distinct gallantry awards categories based on the nature of the act performed:
The order of precedence for all gallantry awards is: Param Vir Chakra → Ashok Chakra → Mahavir Chakra → Kirti Chakra → Vir Chakra → Shaurya Chakra
On the 77th Republic Day, the President approved the gallantry award winners name list 2026 for 70 personnel, including six posthumous awards. These awards honour extraordinary bravery in both wartime and peacetime scenarios.
The Ashok Chakra is India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. It is given for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valor, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield.
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Ashok Chakra List |
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| SL. NO. | RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 1. | 29014 GROUP CAPTAIN SHUBHANSHU SHUKLA, FLYING (PILOT) | AIR FORCE | ASHOKA CHAKRA |
Kirti Chakra is the second-highest peacetime gallantry award in India. It recognizes conspicuous gallantry, bravery, and self-sacrifice performed by military personnel and civilians alike.
| Kirti Chakra List | |||
| SL. NO. | RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 1. | IC-81753K MAJOR ARSHDEEP SINGH, ARMD, 1 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | KIRTI CHAKRA |
| 2. | JC-415036K NAIB SUBEDAR DOLESHWAR SUBBA, 2 PARA (SF) | ARMY | KIRTI CHAKRA |
| 3. | 25284 GROUP CAPTAIN PRASANTH BALAKRISHNAN NAIR, FLYING(PILOT) | AIR FORCE | KIRTI CHAKRA |
Shaurya Chakra is the third-highest peacetime gallantry award. It is presented for valor, courageous action, or self-sacrifice. One Shaurya Chakra was awarded posthumously among the gallantry awards 2026.
| Shaurya Chakra List | |||
| SL. NO. | RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 1. | IC-71626F LIEUTENANT COLONEL GHATAGE ADITYA SHRIKUMAR, 21 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 2. | IC-83399Y MAJOR ANSHUL BALTOO, JAK LI, 32 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 3. | IC-84586K MAJOR SHIVKANT YADAV, 5 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 4. | SS-49451K MAJOR VIVEK, MECH INF, 42 RR | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 5. | SS-49484P MAJOR LEISHANGTHEM DEEPAK SINGH, 11 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 6. | IC-85492Y CAPTAIN YOGENDER SINGH THAKUR, 6 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 7. | JC-0110806H SUBEDAR P H MOSES, 1 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 8. | 15507686K L/DFR BALDEV CHAND, ARMD, 4 RR (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 9. | G/38589Y RIFLEMAN MANGLEM SANG VAIPHEI, 3 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 10. | G/5019682A RIFLEMAN DHURBA JYOTI DUTTA, 33 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 11. | 08030-Z LIEUTENANT COMMANDER DILNA K | NAVY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 12. | 09134-H LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ROOPA A | NAVY | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
| 13. | 129078 ASSISTANT COMMANDANT VIPIN WILSON | MHA | SHAURYA CHAKRA |
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This award recognizes repeated acts of gallantry for those already holding a Sena Medal. It signifies further exceptional courage or devotion to duty in the Army.
| Bar to Sena Medal List | |||
| SL. NO. | RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 1. | 3010203A L/HAV SATYA PAL SINGH, SM, 6 RAJPUT | ARMY | BAR TO SM(G) |
The Sena Medal is awarded for individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage in the Army. Five Sena Medals were awarded posthumously in the 2026 gallantry awards list, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.
| Sena Medal List | ||
| RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| IC-67549A COLONEL AMIT DADHWAL, 205 ARMY AVN SQN (UH) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-75356P LIEUTENANT COLONEL MUDIGERE RAJAGOPAL SUHAS, 1 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| TA-42579P LIEUTENANT COLONEL PRADEEP SHOURY ARYA, SC, VSM | ARMY | SM(G) |
| SS-49455A MAJOR KULBIR SINGH MOHAN, PARA, HQ SFF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-79113F MAJOR ANEESH CHANDRAN C, KUMAON, 1 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-79876X MAJOR CHARANJIT SINGH, 20 RR | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-80884H MAJOR NAGAVIGNESH KA, 1831 MED REGT | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-83189Y MAJOR ROHIT KUMAR, 12 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-83280P MAJOR SIVAPRASAD K, GUARDS, 3 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-83956M MAJOR AKSHAY ANAND, ARTY, 36 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-84276Y MAJOR C SAI VIVEK, ARTY, 33 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-84360Y MAJOR VISHWA PRAKASH DUBEY, ARMD, 23 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| SS-49911A MAJOR ROHIT KUMAR, 5 GR, 23 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| SS-49953M MAJOR RAVI KUMAR SINGH, ARMD, 46 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| SS-50198A MAJOR TUSHAR NAGRAIK, ARMD, 21 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-85517A CAPTAIN AJINKYA PANDIT KANASE, ASSAM, 42 RR | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-85919X CAPTAIN JAGDEEP NARAYAN, 1 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| IC-90073L CAPTAIN PRABHAT KUMAR SINGH, 7 JAT | ARMY | SM(G) |
| SS-51124X CAPTAIN GURSHARAN SINGH, 11 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-572618X SUBEDAR DHARAMVEER, MAHAR, HQ 112 MTN BDE (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-2102807 SUBEDAR RAJ KUMAR MANJHI, 43 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-414509L SUBEDAR GOPAL SINGH, 2 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-433179M SUBEDAR KULDEEP CHAND, 9 PUNJAB (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-595471Y SUBEDAR SHAMAS DIN, 6 JAK LI | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-415213Y NAIB SUBEDAR MOHMAD IQBAL TEELI, 12 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-493004N NAIB SUBEDAR PAWAN KUMAR, 7 JAT | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-878802X NAIB SUBEDAR SARIFUL MANDAL, 41 FD REGT | ARMY | SM(G) |
| JC-235122M NAIB RIS RANA PRATAP SINGH, THE PRESIDENT’S BODYGUARD | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 13627814A HAVILDAR JHANTU ALI SHAIKH, 6 PARA (SF) (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 13770139F HAVILDAR ANAND SUMAN RANA, 6 JAK RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 2706728H HAVILDAR MAKSOOD DEEN, 1211 MED REGT | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 4200935H HAVILDAR PURAN SINGH KHARAYAT, 4 KUMAON | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 4376814K HAVILDAR MD SAROJ KHAN, 11 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 9427550N HAVILDAR YANG DORJEE LAMA, 12 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 15508342X L/DFR BHARAVAD MEHULBHAI MEPABHAI, ARMD, 24 RR (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 4293112M NAIK RANJAY KUMAR, 8 BIHAR | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 3014240L LANCE NAIK ASHOK KUMAR BHINCHAR, RAJPUT, 44 RR | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 12945113P SEPOY SHABIR AHMAD, 159 INF BN (TA) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 2813485A SEPOY GYAKAR SANDIP PANDURANG, MARATHA LI, 17 RR (POSTHUMOUS) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 4381203Y SEPOY KADAOHUM BELLAI, ASSAM, 42 RR | ARMY | SM(G) |
| G/5020947L RIFLEMAN WAIKHOM MOHAN SINGH, 43 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| G/5023810K RIFLEMAN THANGGOULUN SINGSON, 1 ASSAM RIF | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 13631405K PTR BRINGER HK, 5 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
| 4593282P PTR DEEPCHAND KARGWAL, 21 PARA (SF) | ARMY | SM(G) |
This medal recognizes acts of conspicuous gallantry performed by Indian Navy personnel. These acts are distinct from those performed during enemy engagement.
| Nao Sena Medal | ||
| RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 06956-H COMMANDER NARDEEP SINGH | NAVY | NM(G) |
| 09897-T LIEUTENANT COMMANDER RISHABH PURBIA | NAVY | NM(G) |
| 05855-F COMMANDER RAJESHWAR KUMAR SHARMA | NAVY | NM(G) |
| 08901-B LIEUTENANT COMMANDER PRASHANT RAJ | NAVY | NM(G) |
| 06251-F COMMANDER HARPREET SINGH | NAVY | NM(G) |
| 06136-W CAPTAIN PIYUSH KATIYAR | NAVY | NM(G) |
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This award is for acts of individual gallantry by Indian Air Force personnel. It honors bravery and dedication in the face of danger.
| Vayu Sena Medal List | |||
| SL. NO. | RANK & NAME | SERVICE | AWARD |
| 1. | 29503, WING COMMANDER SHOBHIT VYAS FLYING (PILOT) | AIR FORCE | VM(G) |
| 2. | 919768, JUNIOR WARRANT OFFICER KIRPAL SINGH SALARIA, PARACHUTE JUMP INSTRUCTOR | AIR FORCE | VM(G) |
Beyond gallantry, the President also approved 301 military decorations for distinguished service. These awards include Param Vishisht Seva Medals, Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, Yudh Seva Medals, Sena Medals (Distinguished), Nao Sena Medals (Distinguished), Vayu Sena Medals (Distinguished), and Vishisht Seva Medals. These acknowledge exceptional service and unwavering devotion to duty across various roles.
Republic Day holds a special place in India’s democratic history, marking the adoption of the Constitution. Announcing Gallantry Awards and military decorations on this occasion reinforces the values of duty, service, and commitment that form the foundation of the nation.
Through these recognitions, the Armed Forces reaffirm their role as a disciplined and dedicated institution, focused on national security, humanitarian assistance, and peacekeeping responsibilities.
Eligibility for the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra is as follows:
Here is the further requirement to be eligible for Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, given below:
Gallantry awards in India have a rich history. Post-independence, the first three awards—the Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, and Vir Chakra—were instituted on January 26, 1950. Since then, the Indian gallantry awards system has evolved to include peacetime honors like the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra to recognize the “silent heroes” who protect the nation from internal threats and during rescue operations.
In addition to the 70 gallantry medals, the President also cleared 301 military decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), for distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
The gallantry awards 2026 remind us that the safety and sovereignty of our nation are maintained by the sweat and blood of these brave individuals. Whether on the icy heights of the Himalayas or the deep waters of the Indian Ocean, these awardees embody the motto of “Service Before Self.”
The highest gallantry award in India is the Param Vir Chakra. It holds immense prestige and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery during combat. The medal is awarded to individuals who risk or sacrifice their lives for the nation. The Param Vir Chakra winners list is a small yet renowned group of soldiers who have become national icons for their extraordinary acts of valour.
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) has been awarded 21 times, of which 14 were awarded posthumously, and 16 arose from actions in Indo-Pakistani conflicts.
| Param Vir Chakra List | |||
| S. No. | Name | Rank | Award |
| 1 | Captain Vikram Batra (Deceased) | Captain | Param Vir Chakra |
| 2 | Naik Jadunath Singh (Deceased) | Naik | Param Vir Chakra |
| 3 | Subedar Major (then Rifleman) Sanjay Kumar | Subedar Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 4 | Major (then Second Lieutenant) Rama Raghoba Rane | Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 5 | Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon (Deceased) | Flying Officer | Param Vir Chakra |
| 6 | Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria (Deceased) | Captain | Param Vir Chakra |
| 7 | Subedar Joginder Singh (Deceased) | Subedar | Param Vir Chakra |
| 8 | Company Quarter Master Havildar Abdul Hamid (Deceased) | Havildar | Param Vir Chakra |
| 9 | Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal (Deceased) | Second Lieutenant | Param Vir Chakra |
| 10 | Lance Naik Albert Ekka (Deceased) | Lance Naik | Param Vir Chakra |
| 11 | Subedar Major & Hony Captain (then Naib Subedar) Bana Singh | Subedar Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 12 | Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey (Deceased) | Captain | Param Vir Chakra |
| 13 | Major Somnath Sharma (Deceased) | Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 14 | Subedar Major Retd. (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav | Subedar Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 15 | Company Havildar Major Piru Singh (Deceased) | Havildar Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 16 | Subedar & Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh | Subedar & Captain | Param Vir Chakra |
| 17 | Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa | Lieutenant Colonel | Param Vir Chakra |
| 18 | Major Shaitan Singh (Deceased) | Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 19 | Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore (Deceased) | Lieutenant Colonel | Param Vir Chakra |
| 20 | Major Hoshiyar Singh | Major | Param Vir Chakra |
| 21 | Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran (Deceased) | Major | Param Vir Chakra |
The Indian Army Investiture Ceremony 2026, held on the occasion of Army Day 2026, took place at the Sapta Shakti Auditorium, Jaipur Military Station, in a dignified and proud atmosphere. The event honoured the bravery, dedication, and outstanding service of Indian Army personnel and units who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect the nation.
The ceremony was presided over by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who conferred gallantry awards and unit honours to deserving soldiers and formations. It served as a heartfelt tribute to the courage and sacrifices made by the armed forces in both operational and support roles.
Key honours presented during the ceremony included:
A special highlight of the event was the prestigious “Bravest of the Brave” Unit Award, which was presented to 8 Assam Rifles for their exceptional operational excellence and unwavering commitment in challenging conditions.
Beyond combat achievements, the Army also recognised those who contribute silently but significantly. 06 Veteran Achievers and 03 Civilians were felicitated for their continued support and service to the Indian Army community.
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| Award | Medal Description | Ribbon | Bar |
| Param Vir Chakra |
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| Mahavir Chakra |
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| Vir Chakra |
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| Ashoka Chakra |
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| Kirti Chakra |
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| Shaurya Chakra |
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The main types are Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra (wartime), and Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra (peacetime).
The President of India approves all gallantry awards based on recommendations from the Ministry of Defence.
Gallantry awards are announced twice a year, on Republic Day and Independence Day.
The Ashok Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award.
Yes, six posthumous gallantry awards were approved in 2026, including one Shaurya Chakra and five Sena Medals (Gallantry).
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