New Delhi — On the eve of Republic Day 2026, the Central Government has approved gallantry and distinguished service awards for 982 personnel from police forces, fire services, home guards, civil defence organisations, and correctional services, honouring acts of exceptional bravery and sustained professional excellence.
A total of 125 individuals have been selected for the Medal for Gallantry (GM) — the highest gallantry decoration in this category. Among them, 121 recipients are from various police organisations across the country, while four belong to fire services. The Medal for Gallantry is awarded for rare and outstanding displays of courage performed at grave personal risk, typically in situations involving the protection of life and property, prevention or detection of serious crime, or the apprehension of dangerous offenders, always taking into account the duties and responsibilities attached to the recipient’s position.
The distribution of gallantry awards highlights the intense security challenges faced in different regions: 35 medals have been conferred on personnel operating in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 45 on those serving in Jammu and Kashmir, five in the North-Eastern states, and the remaining 40 to officers and personnel from other parts of India.
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Beyond gallantry recognitions, long and meritorious service has also been honoured. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) — given in recognition of an exceptionally outstanding career record — goes to 101 personnel: 89 from police forces, five from fire services, three from civil defence and home guards combined, and four from correctional services.
The Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), awarded for valuable and resourceful service marked by consistent devotion to duty, has been granted to 756 personnel: 664 from police, 34 from fire services, 33 from civil defence and home guards, and 25 from correctional services.
The complete list of awardees, including names, ranks, parent organisations, and state-wise breakdowns, was released by the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 25, 2026. These honours underscore the critical contributions of India’s internal security and emergency response personnel in safeguarding public order and safety under demanding and often hazardous conditions.
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