78 Gallantry Awards Approved Ahead of Independence Day 2026
Why in the news
President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards for personnel of the Defence Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on August 14, 2026, the day before Independence Day.
Key facts
- Total of 78 gallantry awards, of which 13 are posthumous.
- The Kirti Chakra tally is 9, including 7 given posthumously.
- The awards cover the Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF.
Award-wise breakdown
| Award | Number | Posthumous |
|---|---|---|
| Kirti Chakra | 9 | 7 |
| Bar to Shaurya Chakra | 1 | – |
| Shaurya Chakra | 19 | 1 |
| Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) | 5 | – |
| Sena Medal (Gallantry) | 36 | 5 |
| Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) | 3 | – |
| Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | 5 | – |
About the awards
Gallantry awards recognise bravery in the face of the enemy or in operations. A Bar is a second award of the same decoration to the same person. Nao Sena and Vayu Sena medals are the Navy and Air Force counterparts of the Army’s Sena Medal.
Exam angle
- Learn the numbers: 78 total, 13 posthumous, 9 Kirti Chakras.
- Awards are approved by the President on the eve of Independence Day.
- Know which service each medal belongs to: Sena (Army), Nao Sena (Navy), Vayu Sena (Air Force).