Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Home Ministry Announces 1,057 Gallantry, Service Medals for I-Day
The government gives special shiny medals to brave people who help keep others safe.
On Independence Day in India, many police officers, firefighters, prison workers and home guards get these medals.
This year, 1,057 people received Gallantry and Service Medals.
Bravery medals are for conspicuous acts like saving life and property or preventing crime.
Of the 301 gallantry medals, 272 went to police officers and 29 went to firefighters.
Many of the honorees work in dangerous places like Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East.
Other awards recognize long and distinguished service, not just one brave act.
The President's Medal for Distinguished Service was given to 92 people, mostly in the police.
The Medals for Meritorious Service went to 664 people for their resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
The Ministry of Home Affairs awarded 1,057 Gallantry and Service Medals to Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services personnel for Independence Day 2026.
301 Medals for Gallantry were awarded, including 272 to Police personnel and 29 to Fire Service personnel.
Of the gallantry awards, 197 went to personnel in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 to the Jammu & Kashmir region, 12 to the North-East and 41 to other regions.
92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service were awarded, with 83 going to the Police Service, 4 to Fire, 3 to Civil Defence & Home Guard and 2 to Correctional Service.
The announcement also included 664 Medals for Meritorious Service, awarded for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
- Who
- The Ministry of Home Affairs and 1,057 personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD) and Correctional Services.
- What
- The Ministry announced 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service.
- When
- On the occasion of Independence Day 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi.
- Why
- To recognise conspicuous acts of gallantry in saving life and property or preventing crime, as well as distinguished and meritorious service.
- Total awards
- 1,057
- Medals for Gallantry (GM)
- 301 (272 Police, 29 Fire Service)
- President's Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM)
- 92 (83 Police, 4 Fire, 3 Civil Defence & Home Guard, 2 Correctional Service)
- Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM)
- 664
- Gallantry awards by region
- 197 Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 Jammu & Kashmir, 12 North-East, 41 other regions
- Announcing body
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Occasion
- Independence Day 2026