which awards are announced on republic day
On (and around) India’s Republic Day (26 January), several major national awards and honours are traditionally announced or presented. Here’s a clear breakdown.
Direct answer
The most talked‑about awards associated with Republic Day are:
- Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri) – announced on Republic Day eve (25 January).
- Gallantry awards and other defence honours (like Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and service medals) – announced for Republic Day and conferred by the President.
- Police and other uniformed services medals (President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Gallantry, Police Medal for Meritorious Service, etc.) – part of the Republic Day honours list.
These are in addition to other Republic‑Day‑linked recognitions such as children’s bravery/excellence awards and special ministry awards.
Key awards announced on Republic Day / its eve
1. Padma Awards (civilian)
Traditionally announced on the evening of 25 January and associated directly with Republic Day celebrations.
- Padma Vibhushan – For exceptional and distinguished service in any field.
- Padma Bhushan – For distinguished service of a high order.
- Padma Shri – For distinguished service in any field, often highlighting “unsung heroes” from grassroots levels.
These names are published as the “Padma Awards list” for that year’s Republic Day, and the actual decoration ceremony happens later at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Example: For 2026, the list of Padma awardees, including many unsung heroes in social work, education, and healthcare, was formally announced as the country geared up for the 77th Republic Day.
2. Gallantry and defence-related awards
These awards honour acts of conspicuous bravery and sacrifice by the armed forces, and their lists are issued as part of the Republic Day honours.
Common gallantry awards connected with Republic Day include:
- Ashok Chakra – India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
- Kirti Chakra – Second-highest peacetime gallantry award.
- Shaurya Chakra – Third-level peacetime gallantry award.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry) , Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) , Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) – For bravery and exceptional devotion to duty in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A Republic Day 2026 example shows the pattern clearly:
- 1 Ashok Chakra
- 3 Kirti Chakra
- 13 Shaurya Chakra
- 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry)
- 44 Sena Medal (Gallantry)
- 6 Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry)
- 2 Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)
These numbers vary every year, but the types of awards remain largely the same.
3. Police and other uniformed services medals
Several awards for police and related services are also notified as “Republic Day awards.”
Key ones include:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service – For a long, outstanding career and exceptional service.
- Police Medal for Gallantry – For acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in saving life and property or in preventing crime.
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service – For notable service over many years.
The Ministry of Home Affairs releases detailed lists of awardees on the occasion of Republic Day every year (often clubbed together as “Republic Day medals”).
Some years you also see announcements of:
- Correctional Service Medals – for prison staff, in categories such as distinguished service, meritorious service, and gallantry.
4. Awards for children and citizens (bravery, excellence, etc.)
Certain civilian recognitions are also closely tied to the Republic Day calendar:
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar – Awarded to children (age 5–18) for excellence in areas like bravery, art & culture, environment, innovation, science & technology, social service, and sports; these are associated with Republic Day celebrations.
- Bravery/Rescue awards for citizens – Awards like the Jeevan Raksha Padak and related categories recognise people who save lives from drowning, fires, and other dangers; they are typically highlighted around Republic Day.
These honours underline that Republic Day is not only about military and police awards but also about acknowledging extraordinary ordinary citizens.
At-a-glance table of major Republic Day–linked awards
| Award / Group | Type | When it is announced / linked to | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri | [3][9]Civilian honours | Announced on Republic Day eve (25 January) | Recognise exceptional and distinguished service in various fields |
| Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra | [1][7]Peacetime gallantry awards | Part of Republic Day honours list | Honour acts of supreme courage and sacrifice |
| Sena, Nao Sena, Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) | [1]Service-specific gallantry awards | Linked to Republic Day and Independence Day lists | Bravery and exceptional devotion to duty in Army, Navy, Air Force |
| President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service | [7]Police service medal | Notified as Republic Day honours | Long and outstanding police service |
| Police Medal for Gallantry / Meritorious Service | [7]Police gallantry & service medals | Part of yearly Republic Day medals list | Courage in duty and noteworthy service |
| Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar | [7]Award for children (5–18) | Associated with Republic Day events | Excellence in bravery, innovation, social service, sports, arts, etc. |
| Jeevan Raksha Padak and similar rescue awards | [5]Civilian life-saving awards | Highlighted around Republic Day | Recognise citizens who save lives in dangerous situations |
Forum-style takeaway (for your “Quick Scoop” post)
On Indian Republic Day, the country doesn’t just showcase its military parade – it also announces and highlights some of its most prestigious honours. Padma Awards for “unsung heroes”, high‑profile gallantry medals like the Ashok Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, and a long list of police and service medals all cluster around 26 January. Children who show exceptional courage or talent and ordinary citizens who save lives are also brought into the spotlight, turning Republic Day into a national “honours roll” that celebrates bravery, duty, and quiet service across India.
TL;DR: Padma Awards (Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri), military gallantry awards (Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, service medals), police/service medals, and several children’s and civilian bravery awards are all announced or showcased around Republic Day in India.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.