National Gallantry Awards in India
Complete List,
Types, Eligibility & Details
The National Gallantry Awards
in India are among the most prestigious honours given to individuals who
display exceptional courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice in service to the
nation. These awards recognize acts performed both in the battlefield and
during peacetime operations, including rescue missions, counter-terrorism
efforts, and life-saving acts.
The Government of India
confers these awards twice every year—on Republic Day (26 January) and Independence
Day (15 August)—to honour the bravery of armed forces personnel,
paramilitary forces, police, and even civilians.
What Are Gallantry Awards?
Gallantry Awards are national
honours awarded for acts of bravery and courage in extreme situations.
These awards symbolize the highest level of dedication and sacrifice toward the
nation.
After independence, India
established its own system of gallantry awards on 26 January 1950,
effective from 15 August 1947.
Later in 1952,
additional peacetime gallantry awards were introduced, which were renamed in
1967.
Types of
Gallantry Awards in India
Gallantry Awards in India are
broadly classified into two categories:
1. Wartime Gallantry Awards
These are awarded for bravery
shown in the presence of the enemy during war.
- Param Vir Chakra (PVC) – Highest
- Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) – Second Highest
- Vir Chakra – Third Highest
2. Peacetime Gallantry Awards
These are awarded for bravery away
from the battlefield, including internal security and rescue operations.
- Ashoka Chakra – Highest
- Kirti Chakra – Second Highest
- Shaurya Chakra – Third Highest
Complete
List of Gallantry Awards (Order of Precedence)
1. Param
Vir Chakra
2. Ashoka
Chakra
3. Maha
Vir Chakra
4. Kirti
Chakra
5. Vir
Chakra
6. Shaurya
Chakra
Detailed Explanation of Each Gallantry Award
1. Param Vir
Chakra (PVC)
- India’s highest military decoration
- Awarded for most conspicuous bravery in
the presence of the enemy
- Instituted: 26 January 1950
The Param Vir Chakra
represents the ultimate act of bravery and sacrifice in wartime. It is often
awarded posthumously and is considered equivalent to the highest military
honours in other countries.
2. Ashoka Chakra
- Highest peacetime gallantry award
- Awarded for bravery away from the
battlefield
- Can be given to both military personnel
and civilians
It is considered the peacetime
equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra and is awarded for extraordinary courage in
situations like terrorist attacks or rescue missions. (Wikipedia)
3. Maha Vir
Chakra (MVC)
- Second-highest wartime gallantry award
- Given for acts of conspicuous gallantry
in combat
This award recognizes
exceptional bravery shown during operations on land, air, or sea. (Wikipedia)
4. Kirti Chakra
- Second-highest peacetime gallantry award
- Awarded for bravery in non-war situations
It is equivalent to the Maha
Vir Chakra but for peacetime operations.
5. Vir Chakra
- Third-highest wartime award
- Given for acts of bravery on the
battlefield
It is awarded to armed forces
personnel who display courage during combat operations.
6. Shaurya
Chakra
- Third-highest peacetime gallantry award
- Awarded for bravery in non-combat
situations
It recognizes courage during
anti-terror operations, rescue missions, and internal security duties.
Eligibility
Criteria for Gallantry Awards
Gallantry Awards can be
awarded to:
- Members of the Indian Armed Forces
- Personnel of paramilitary forces
- Police forces
- Civilians (for
peacetime awards)
These awards are given for:
- Exceptional courage
- Self-sacrifice
- Outstanding devotion to duty
Gallantry
Awards 2026 – Latest Updates
As per recent updates:
- Gallantry Awards continue to be announced
on Republic Day and Independence Day
- In Republic Day 2026, around 70
personnel were honoured, including several posthumous awards
- Awards covered categories like Param Vir
Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra
These awards highlight the
bravery of personnel involved in:
- Counter-terrorism operations
- Border security missions
- Rescue and disaster operations
Who
Confers Gallantry Awards?
All Gallantry Awards are
conferred by the President of India, based on recommendations from:
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Home Affairs
Importance
of Gallantry Awards in India
Gallantry Awards play a
crucial role in:
- Honouring the bravery and sacrifice
of heroes
- Motivating armed forces and civilians
- Preserving the legacy of national
courage
- Inspiring future generations
These awards are not just
medals—they represent stories of heroism and patriotism that strengthen
national pride.
Difference Between Wartime and Peacetime Awards
|
Feature |
Wartime
Awards |
Peacetime
Awards |
|
Situation |
During
war |
Non-war
situations |
|
Eligible |
Armed
forces |
Armed
forces + civilians |
|
Examples |
PVC,
MVC, Vir Chakra |
Ashoka,
Kirti, Shaurya Chakra |
|
Nature |
Combat
bravery |
Internal
security, rescue |
Conclusion
The National Gallantry Awards
of India stand as a tribute to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice
shown by individuals in the service of the nation. From the battlefield to
rescue operations, these awards recognize those who go beyond the call of duty.
With continuous recognition in 2026 and beyond, these honours remain a symbol of India’s respect for its heroes and a reminder that bravery and selflessness are the pillars of a strong nation.
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