Republic Day Honours 982 Heroes who kept India Safe in Its Toughest Moments

On Republic Day 2026, India honoured 982 police and allied personnel for exceptional gallantry, distinguished service and unwavering dedication to duty.

On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, the Government of India has announced the conferment of gallantry and service medals on 982 personnel from police forces, fire services, home guard and Civil Defence and correctional services in recognition of their exceptional courage, dedication and distinguished service to the nation.

The awards were announced on January 25, 2026, by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as part of the Republic Day honours, underscoring the vital contributions of India’s internal security and emergency response personnel in safeguarding public safety and upholding the rule of law.

Gallantry Awards- Honouring Courage Under Fire

A total of 125 Medals for Gallantry (GM) were awarded to personnel who displayed rare and conspicuous acts of bravery, often at great personal risk while saving lives, protecting property or preventing crime.

• 45 gallantry medals went to personnel deployed in the Jammu & Kashmir operational Theatre.
• 35 medals were awarded to those serving in Left Wing Extremism- affected areas.
• 5 medals were conferred on personnel posted in the North East region.
• The remaining gallantry awards were given for courageous service in other parts of the country.

Among the gallantry awardees, 121 are from various police organisations and 4 are from fire services, highlighting both frontline law enforcement and emergency rescue efforts.

State and force-wise breakdowns reflect operational challenges across regions:

• Jammu & Kashmir Police received the highest number of gallantry medals at 33.
• Maharastra Police was next with 31, followed by Uttar Pradesh Police (18) and Delhi Police (14).
• Among Central Armed Police Forces, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) garnered 12 gallantry citations.

President’s and Meritorious Service Medals

In addition to gallantry honours, the awards also recognize sustained commitment and exemplary service:

• 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) were conferred on personnel with exceptionally outstanding career records in their respective fields.
• 756 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) were awarded for valuable and devoted service, marked by professional excellence and steadfast dedication to duty.

These honours span multiple services: the police, fire services, Home Guard and Civil Defence and correctional services, reflecting a broad recognition of contributions to law enforcement, public safety and community well-being.

Significance and Impact

Republic Day honours like these not only celebrate individual and collective heroism but also highlight the critical role played by non-military personnel in maintaining integral security, managing emergencies and promoting peace and stability across the country. This year’s list reinforces the Government’s commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices and steadfast service of those who operate in some of the most challenging environments, from insurgency-affected regions to urban safety networks. The detailed list of awardees, including names, ranks and organisational affiliations was released on January 25, 2026, further showcasing the depth of talent and valor across India’s police and allied services.