Gallantry Awards in India 2026 – Winner List, Types, Eligibility, and UPSC PYQ

Gallantry Awards are among the highest honours conferred by the Government of India for acts of bravery, courage, and self-sacrifice. These awards recognise military personnel and civilians who display exceptional valour during war and peace. India has separate categories of awards for wartime and peacetime acts of courage.

These Bravery Awards India symbolize the nation's gratitude towards individuals who place duty above personal safety and uphold the highest traditions of service.

This topic of ‘Gallantry Awards’ is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, particularly under General Studies Paper I (Indian Society and National Personalities), General Studies Paper II (Governance), and General Studies Paper III (Internal Security and Defence).

What are Gallantry Awards in India?

Gallantry Awards in India are national decorations awarded for exceptional courage, conspicuous bravery, and devotion to duty. They are part of the broader framework of Military Awards in India and are presented by the President of India.

These awards are given to:

• Personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

• State Police personnel

• Civilians (in specific cases)

Classification of Gallantry Awards

India's gallantry decorations are divided into two categories:

1. Wartime Gallantry Awards

These awards are granted for acts of bravery during war, armed conflict, or combat operations.

Order of Precedence

1. Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – Highest Gallantry Award in wartime

2. Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)

3. Vir Chakra (VrC)

2. Peacetime Gallantry Awards

These are awarded for acts of bravery during peace, counter-insurgency operations, anti-terror missions, rescue operations, and similar circumstances.

Order of Precedence

1. Ashoka Chakra – Highest peacetime gallantry award

2. Kirti Chakra

3. Shaurya Chakra

Wartime Gallantry Awards in India

Wartime Gallantry Awards are conferred upon members of the Armed Forces for displaying exceptional courage, valour, and devotion to duty during war, armed conflict, or combat operations against the enemy. These awards are arranged in order of precedence, with the Param Vir Chakra being the highest wartime gallantry decoration in India.

Param Vir Chakra – Highest Gallantry Award

The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration awarded for exceptional bravery during wartime. It was instituted on 26 January 1950 and remains one of the most prestigious Indian Armed Forces Awards.

Peacetime Gallantry Awards in India

Peacetime Gallantry Awards are conferred for acts of exceptional bravery, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty during peacetime, including counter-insurgency operations, anti-terror missions, rescue operations, and other situations not involving direct war with an enemy. These awards are arranged in order of precedence, with the Ashoka Chakra being the highest peacetime gallantry award in India.

Ashoka Chakra

The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for extraordinary courage, self-sacrifice, and heroism away from the battlefield. It is regarded as India's highest peacetime gallantry decoration.

Gallantry Award Recipients of Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I)

The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-I) honoured personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and Police Forces for displaying exceptional courage, devotion to duty, and self-sacrifice. The following recipients were conferred Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra for their acts of bravery performed during various operations and missions.

Shaurya Chakra 

 Vir Chakra

Kirti Chakra 

 Posthumous Awardees

Significance of Gallantry Awards

The Defence Awards India system performs several important functions:

• Encourages courage and selfless service.

• Recognises sacrifices made by soldiers and security personnel.

• Strengthens national morale.

• Inspires future generations.

• Promotes patriotism and military traditions.

These Military Honours India represent the highest values of discipline, sacrifice, and commitment.

Difference Between Wartime and Peacetime Gallantry Awards

India's gallantry decorations are broadly classified into wartime and peacetime awards based on the circumstances under which acts of bravery are performed. While wartime awards recognise valour displayed during combat and enemy engagements, peacetime awards honour courage shown during internal security operations, counter-terrorism missions, rescue efforts, and other non-war situations. 

When are gallantry awards announced?

Gallantry Awards are generally announced twice every year:

1. Republic Day (26 January)

2. Independence Day (15 August)

The awards are later formally presented by the President of India during investiture ceremonies.

Difference Between National Bravery Awards and Gallantry Awards

Although both National Bravery Awards and Gallantry Awards recognise acts of courage, they differ in terms of recipients, purpose, and administration. National Bravery Awards primarily honour children for exceptional acts of bravery, whereas Gallantry Awards are conferred upon military personnel, police forces, and other security personnel for displaying valour and devotion to duty.

Importance of Gallantry Awards for UPSC

Questions related to:

• Param Vir Chakra

• Ashoka Chakra

• Order of precedence

• Wartime and Peacetime Gallantry Awards

• Defence and Internal Security

are frequently asked in UPSC examinations.

UPSC Previous Year Question

UPSC Prelims 2021

Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:

1. Bharat Ratna and Padma awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.

2. Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, were suspended only once.

3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

Which of the above statements are not correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

UPSC Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Gallantry Awards in India:

1. Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of valour during wartime.

2. Ashoka Chakra is India's highest peacetime gallantry award.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

 Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Gallantry Awards are announced twice a year.

2. Ashoka Chakra is the highest military award conferred during peacetime.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Differentiate between Wartime and Peacetime Gallantry Awards in India. Discuss their significance in strengthening national security and promoting a culture of courage and sacrifice. (150 words, 10 marks)