India's 78 Gallantry Awards Announced on 80th Independence Day

Key Facts: Gallantry Awards 2026

Total Awards Approved: 78 Gallantry Awards

Classification of Gallantry Awards

Wartime Gallantry Awards (In presence of enemy)

• Param Vir Chakra – India's highest military decoration
• Maha Vir Chakra – Second highest
• Vir Chakra – Third in hierarchy

Peacetime Gallantry Awards (Other than face of enemy)

• Ashoka Chakra – Highest peacetime award
• Kirti Chakra – Second highest peacetime award
• Shaurya Chakra – Third in peacetime hierarchy

Order of Precedence

1. Param Vir Chakra
2. Ashoka Chakra
3. Maha Vir Chakra
4. Kirti Chakra
5. Vir Chakra
6. Shaurya Chakra

Historical Background

• Peacetime awards were initially instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class-I, II and III
• Renamed in 1967 to Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra
• Both original awards and Bars may be conferred posthumously

Recommendation and Conferment Process

1. Recommendations originate from military units, CAPFs, or police organizations
2. Scrutinized through the chain of command
3. Examined by the Central Honours and Awards Committee
4. Final approval by the President of India
5. Announced twice yearly: Republic Day (26 January) and Independence Day (15 August)

Additional Recognition: Bar to Chakra

• Bar to Chakra is conferred for subsequent acts of similar gallantry
• Represented by a miniature replica on the ribbon

Constitutional Provision

• The power to institute awards rests with the President of India
• Article 18 of the Constitution prohibits hereditary titles but permits academic and military decorations

Significance for India

• These awards serve as powerful instruments of national recognition and morale building
• They honor both military and civilian contributions to national security
• The posthumous awards ensure sacrifice of martyrs is appropriately recognized
• Bar to awards encourages continued acts of exceptional bravery