Republic Day Gallantry Awards 2026: Honouring Armed Forces Bravery

On January 26, 2026, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with the announcement of gallantry awards recognizing the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of the armed forces. President Droupadi Murmu approved 70 gallantry awards, including six posthumous recognitions, alongside 301 additional military decorations. These honors highlight the nation’s gratitude for the bravery of soldiers, sailors, and airmen across diverse operational conditions.

🏅 Gallantry Awards Approved for 2026

The official list includes:

• 1 Ashok Chakra
• 3 Kirti Chakras
• 13 Shaurya Chakras (including 1 posthumous)
• 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
• 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry)
• 2 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry)

These awards span acts of valor in counter-terrorism, high-risk missions, and extraordinary service across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

👨‍🚀 Highest Decorations

• Ashok Chakra: Awarded to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his historic achievement as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
• Kirti Chakra: Conferred upon Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Major Arshdeep Singh, and Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba for distinguished bravery.
• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal: Awarded to Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth for exemplary leadership and service.

⚔️ Shaurya Chakra and Other Honours

• 13 personnel from elite units such as Para (Special Forces), Assam Rifles, Rashtriya Rifles, and the Indian Navy received the Shaurya Chakra.
• Awardees included officers, junior commissioned officers, and other ranks, reflecting operational excellence across levels.
• Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson was among those recognized, highlighting the contribution of Central Armed Police Forces alongside the military.

📜 Additional Military Decorations and Mentions

• 301 military decorations approved, including:
  • Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
  • Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)
• 98 personnel Mentioned-in-Despatches for their role in:
  • Operation Rakshak (counter-insurgency in J&K)
  • Operation Meghdoot (Siachen Glacier operations)
  • Operation Rhino (counter-insurgency in Assam)
  • Rescue and casualty evacuation missions across services

📚 Important Facts for Exams

📝 Conclusion

The 2026 Republic Day Gallantry Awards not only honored individual acts of valor but also highlighted India’s broader military excellence in space achievements, counter-terrorism, and high-risk operations. For students preparing for competitive exams, these awards are crucial for current affairs, general awareness, and defense-related sections.

👉 Tip for Exams: Remember that gallantry awards are announced twice a year—on Republic Day and Independence Day—making them a recurring topic in GK and Current Affairs papers.

📝 MCQs on Republic Day Gallantry Awards 2026

Q1. Who received the Ashok Chakra in 2026 for becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station?   a) Major Arshdeep Singh b) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla c) Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth d) Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson Answer: b) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Q2. How many Shaurya Chakras were awarded during the 2026 Republic Day celebrations?   a) 3 b) 6 c) 13 d) 44 Answer: c) 13

Q3. Which award was conferred upon Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth in recognition of exemplary leadership?   a) Param Vishisht Seva Medal b) Uttam Yudh Seva Medal c) Kirti Chakra d) Shaurya Chakra Answer: b) Uttam Yudh Seva Medal

Q4. Which of the following operations was highlighted in the Mentioned-in-Despatches list of 2026?   a) Operation Vijay b) Operation Meghdoot c) Operation Trident d) Operation Blue Star Answer: b) Operation Meghdoot

Q5. How many personnel were Mentioned-in-Despatches in 2026?   a) 44 b) 70 c) 98 d) 301 Answer: c) 98

Q6. Which gallantry award is India’s highest peacetime honor?   a) Kirti Chakra b) Shaurya Chakra c) Sena Medal d) Ashok Chakra Answer: d) Ashok Chakra

Q7. Gallantry awards in India are announced on which two national occasions?   a) Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti b) Independence Day and Republic Day c) Independence Day and Armed Forces Flag Day d) Republic Day and Constitution Day Answer: b) Independence Day and Republic Day

✅ These MCQs cover key facts, award hierarchy, recipients, and operations—all highly relevant for current affairs and general awareness sections in exams.