On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, the President of India approved 78 Gallantry Awards to recognise acts of extraordinary courage, bravery and selfless service by members of the armed forces and other security personnel.
The awards honoured individuals who displayed exceptional valour in challenging situations, including operations involving national security and defence responsibilities.
The awards announced included:
- 9 Kirti Chakras (including 7 awarded posthumously)
- 19 Shaurya Chakras (including 1 awarded posthumously)
- 36 Sena Medals for Gallantry (including 5 awarded posthumously)
- 5 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry)
- 3 Nao Sena Medals for Gallantry
- 5 Vayu Sena Medals for Gallantry
These recognitions highlight India’s tradition of honouring courage, sacrifice and dedication towards protecting the nation.
What are Gallantry Awards?
Gallantry Awards are among India’s highest honours awarded to military personnel and civilians for acts of exceptional bravery, courage and sacrifice.
They recognise individuals who demonstrate extraordinary commitment in the face of danger, whether during armed conflict, counter-insurgency operations, rescue missions or other life-threatening situations.
These awards are broadly classified into:
- Wartime Gallantry Awards
- Peacetime Gallantry Awards
Wartime Gallantry Awards
Wartime Gallantry Awards are presented for acts of exceptional bravery performed in the presence of the enemy during armed conflicts.
The major wartime gallantry awards are:
Param Vir Chakra (PVC)
- It is India’s highest military decoration.
- It is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
- It is the second-highest wartime gallantry award.
- It recognises acts of exceptional courage during battles and military operations.
Vir Chakra
- It is awarded for acts of bravery and valour displayed during wartime situations.
Peacetime Gallantry Awards
Peacetime Gallantry Awards are awarded for acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice in situations other than direct confrontation with the enemy.
The major peacetime gallantry awards include:
Ashoka Chakra
- It is the highest peacetime military decoration.
- It honours exceptional courage and selfless action during peace operations.
Kirti Chakra
- It is awarded for notable acts of bravery and sacrifice during peacetime.
Shaurya Chakra
- It recognises acts of gallantry, courage and devotion to duty outside the battlefield.
The peacetime awards were originally introduced in 1952 as:
- Ashoka Chakra Class-I
- Ashoka Chakra Class-II
- Ashoka Chakra Class-III
They were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra in 1967.
Order of Precedence of Gallantry Awards
The order of precedence among India’s gallantry awards is:
- Param Vir Chakra
- Ashoka Chakra
- Maha Vir Chakra
- Kirti Chakra
- Vir Chakra
- Shaurya Chakra
This order reflects the relative importance and distinction associated with each award.
Recommendation and Conferment Process
The process of selecting recipients involves multiple levels of scrutiny to ensure that only deserving individuals are honoured.
Recommendation Process
- Recommendations originate from:
- Military units
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
- Police organisations
- The recommendations are examined through the official chain of command.
Final Approval
- The Central Honours and Awards Committee reviews the recommendations.
- The final approval is granted by the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Gallantry Awards are announced twice every year:
- On Republic Day
- On Independence Day
Recognition Through Bars
A Bar to a Gallantry Award is awarded when an individual demonstrates exceptional bravery again after already receiving a gallantry decoration.
The additional recognition is represented through a miniature replica placed on the ribbon of the original award.
Both the original award and the Bar can also be awarded posthumously if the act of bravery results in the individual’s death.
Significance of Gallantry Awards
Gallantry Awards serve multiple purposes:
- Honouring Heroes: They recognise individuals who display exceptional courage and sacrifice in the service of the nation.
- Boosting Morale: They inspire armed forces personnel and security organisations to uphold the highest traditions of bravery.
- Preserving National Memory: They ensure that acts of extraordinary courage remain remembered by future generations.
- Strengthening Patriotism: They reflect the values of duty, commitment and selfless service towards the country.
Conclusion
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FAQs on Gallantry Awards 2026
What are Gallantry Awards?
Gallantry Awards are honours awarded to military personnel and eligible civilians for acts of exceptional courage, bravery, sacrifice and devotion to duty.
How are Indian Gallantry Awards classified?
They are broadly classified into wartime gallantry awards and peacetime gallantry awards. Wartime awards include Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra, while peacetime awards include Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
What are the highest wartime and peacetime Gallantry Awards in India?
The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is the highest wartime gallantry award, while the Ashoka Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award.
What is a Bar to a Gallantry Award?
A Bar is awarded when a recipient demonstrates exceptional bravery again after already receiving a gallantry award. It is represented by a miniature replica on the award ribbon.
When are Gallantry Awards announced in India?
Gallantry Awards are generally announced twice a year—on Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August).
