Republic Day 2026: 982 police and security personnel awarded service medals; J&K tops list

The Union Home Ministry announced 125 gallantry medals and 857 service awards on Republic Day 2026, with J&K police leading the honours

PGurus Newsdesk

January 25, 2026

982 personnel honoured for bravery and service, including 45 gallantry medals for J&K operations

CRPF leads among CAPFs; 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service awarded

On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, as many as 982 personnel from police, fire services, home guards, civil defence and correctional services have been awarded gallantry and service medals, the Union Home Ministry said on Friday.

The awards include 125 gallantry medals, recognising acts of exceptional bravery in challenging operational environments. Personnel deployed in Jammu and Kashmir received the highest number of bravery medals at 45, followed by 35 medals awarded for operations in Naxal-affected regions and five for personnel posted in the north-eastern states.

Among the gallantry awardees are four fire service personnel, honoured for courageous rescue operations.

According to the official break-up, the Jammu and Kashmir Police received the highest number of gallantry medals at 33, followed by Maharashtra Police (31), Uttar Pradesh Police (18) and Delhi Police (14).

Within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the CRPF emerged as the only force to receive gallantry citations, securing 12 medals.

In addition to bravery awards, the government also announced 101 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM).

As per official definitions, gallantry medals are awarded for rare and conspicuous acts of bravery, including saving lives and property, preventing crime or arresting criminals, often at great personal risk. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service recognises exceptional service records, while the Medal for Meritorious Service honours valuable service marked by dedication, resourcefulness and commitment to duty.

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