Gallantry Awards 2026 Announced on Independence Day

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Key takeaways

President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry Awards on India's 80th Independence Day in 2026.
The awards included 9 Kirti Chakras and 19 Shaurya Chakras conferred upon military personnel and security forces.
Wartime honors comprise Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra, whereas peacetime honors comprise Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
The Central Honours and Awards Committee reviews recommendations before final approval by the President of India on Republic Day and Independence Day.

President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 Gallantry Awards on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day on 15th August 2026.
The approved list includes 9 Kirti Chakras with 7 posthumous and 19 Shaurya Chakras with 1 posthumous.
The honors also feature 36 Sena Medals for Gallantry, 5 Bar to Sena Medals, 3 Nao Sena Medals, and 5 Vayu Sena Medals.

Gallantry awards represent India's highest honors for military personnel and civilians who display exceptional courage and self-sacrifice.
Wartime awards recognize acts of bravery in the presence of the enemy and include Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.
Peacetime awards honor acts of courage performed away from the battlefield and include Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.
Peacetime honours were first instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-I, II, and III before being renamed in 1967.
The order of precedence places Param Vir Chakra first, followed by Ashoka Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra.

Recommendations originate within military units, police organisations, or central armed police forces and move up through formal leadership channels.
The Central Honours and Awards Committee examines these nominations before submitting the final selection to the President of India.
The government formally announces gallantry honors twice each year, specifically on Republic Day and Independence Day.
Personnel who display subsequent acts of equal bravery receive a Bar to the Chakra, which is marked by a miniature replica on the medal ribbon.