301 Gallantry Medals Awarded to Police and Fire Personnel

On 14 August 2026, the Government of India announced 1,057 Gallantry and Service Medals for personnel in the police, fire services, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and correctional services. The awards were announced on the eve of the 80th Independence Day under the medal system administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Medal Categories in Indian Police Awards

The Medal for Gallantry (GM) is awarded for conspicuous courage in saving life or property, or in preventing crime or arresting offenders. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) is a service award, and the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) is given for valuable service marked by resourcefulness and devotion to duty.

Distribution of Gallantry Medals

Official data showed that 301 Medals for Gallantry were awarded in 2026, including 272 for police personnel and 29 for fire service personnel. Of these, 197 awards went to personnel deployed in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas, 51 to personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, 12 to personnel in the North-East region, and 41 to personnel in other regions.

State and Force-wise Recognition

Chhattisgarh Police received 141 Gallantry Medals, which was the highest among state police forces. Jammu and Kashmir Police received 38 Gallantry Medals, and Telangana Police personnel received 15 awards, including three junior commandos named B. Sathya Rao, K. Sandeep Kumar, and J. Vamshi Krishna.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Ministry of Home Affairs announces police medals every year on the eve of Independence Day.
• The Indian medal system for police and fire services includes Gallantry Medal, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and Medal for Meritorious Service.
• The Central Bureau of Investigation is a central investigative agency under the Government of India.
• Left Wing Extremism-affected areas are among the main operational zones for gallantry awards in India.

Central Bureau of Investigation Awards

The Central Bureau of Investigation had 21 personnel recognised in the 2026 list. Six personnel received the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and 15 personnel received the Medal for Meritorious Service.