🎖️ Distinguished Service Decorations
A total of 105 Distinguished Service Decorations were presented during the ceremony. The distribution included 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. These decorations recognise exceptional service and gallantry by personnel of the three services and the Coast Guard.
🏅 Major Award Categories
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service of the most exceptional order during war, conflict or hostilities. The Param Vishisht Seva Medal recognises distinguished service of the most exceptional order, while the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal honours distinguished service of an exceptional order during operational service.
⭐ Notable Awardees
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai and Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on 30 June 2026 for their roles in Operation Sindoor. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Vice Chief of the Air Staff-designate, received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal on 29 June 2026, and Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Army Chief-designate, received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal the same day. Major General Mandeep Singh, GOC of the White Tiger Armoured Division, received the Sena Medal on 29 June 2026.
📌 Key Points (Important Facts for Exams)
- The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) was held on 29 and 30 June 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the decorations.
- A total of 105 Distinguished Service Decorations were presented.
- Distribution: 7 Sarvottam Yudh Seva, 30 Param Vishisht Seva, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva, 56 Ati Vishisht Seva.
- Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and Air Marshal AK Bharti were honoured for Operation Sindoor.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi is the official residence of the President of India.
- The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime security force under the Ministry of Defence.
🎯 Conclusion
The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) honoured the bravery and exceptional service of India's Armed Forces and Coast Guard, with several awards linked to Operation Sindoor. Such ceremonies reaffirm the nation's gratitude to its military leaders and personnel.
📝 Practice MCQs
Test your preparation — click "SHOW ANSWER" to reveal the correct option and explanation.
Q1. Who conferred the awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II)?
(a) The Prime Minister (b) President Droupadi Murmu (c) The Defence Minister (d) The CDS
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the decorations.
Q2. Where was the ceremony held?
(a) India Gate (b) Rashtrapati Bhavan (c) South Block (d) Parliament House
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: The ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President.
Q3. How many Distinguished Service Decorations were presented in total?
(a) 75 (b) 95 (c) 105 (d) 120
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: A total of 105 Distinguished Service Decorations were presented.
Q4. The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal is awarded for distinguished service during:
(a) Peacetime only (b) War, conflict or hostilities (c) Training (d) Administrative duties
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: It is awarded for the most exceptional service during war, conflict or hostilities.
Q5. Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and Air Marshal AK Bharti were honoured for their roles in which operation?
(a) Operation Vijay (b) Operation Sindoor (c) Operation Meghdoot (d) Operation Cactus
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: They received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their roles in Operation Sindoor.
Q6. How many Ati Vishisht Seva Medals were awarded?
(a) 30 (b) 12 (c) 56 (d) 7
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals were awarded, the largest single category.
Q7. The Indian Coast Guard functions under which ministry?
(a) Ministry of Home Affairs (b) Ministry of Defence (c) Ministry of Shipping (d) Ministry of External Affairs
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime security force under the Ministry of Defence.
Q8. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, who received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, holds which designate post?
(a) Chief of Air Staff-designate (b) Vice Chief of the Air Staff-designate (c) CDS-designate (d) Army Chief-designate
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is the Vice Chief of the Air Staff-designate.
Q9. Who was present at the ceremony on 30 June 2026 along with the Defence Minister?
(a) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan (b) The Chief Justice (c) The Lok Sabha Speaker (d) The Home Minister
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were present on 30 June 2026.
Q10. The Sena Medal is awarded for:
(a) Sporting achievements (b) Individual acts of exceptional devotion to duty or courage (c) Long service (d) Administrative excellence
👉 SHOW ANSWER ▼
Explanation: The Sena Medal recognises exceptional devotion to duty or courage in the Army, Navy and Air Force.