AI SummaryPresident's Medal for Distinguished Service is a central government honour for police, fire service, home guard, civil defence, and correctional services personnel who show a special distinguished record over a long career. Ministry of Home Affairs announces this medal every year on Republic Day and Independence Day.
For Independence Day 2026, Ministry of Home Affairs has awarded 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service. Out of these, 83 went to Police Service, 4 to Fire Service, 3 to Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 2 to Correctional Service.
President's Medal for Distinguished Service - Overview
This medal rewards prolonged service of 25 years, irrespective of rank, marked by very exceptional ability, merit, and clear devotion to duty. It is separate from Medal for Meritorious Service, which honours valuable service with resourcefulness and devotion to duty.
Recommendations come from states, union territories, central police organisations, and central armed police forces. A screening committee at Ministry of Home Affairs checks vigilance status and service records before the President of India gives final approval.
On Independence Day 2026, a total of 1,057 personnel from Police, Fire, Home Guard and Civil Defence, and Correctional Services received gallantry and service medals. This included 301 Medals for Gallantry, 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 664 Medals for Meritorious Service.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | President's Medal for Distinguished Service |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Conferred By | President of India |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual personnel |
| Application Mode | Online recommendation via National Awards Portal |
| Reward Type | Honorary medal and citation |
| Area of Coverage | All India |
| Official Portal | awards.gov.in |
Benefits
Selected personnel get national-level appreciation for their service. The main benefits are listed below.
- Prestigious President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) showing a special record in service.
- National honour and appreciation from the President of India.
- Official entry of the exceptional service in the personnel record.
- Better professional standing and trust in the public safety sector.
- Counted favourably for further honours and career advancement.
Eligibility
A personnel should meet the following conditions to be considered for this medal.
- Be a serving member of Police Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, Central Police Organisations, Fire Services, Prison or Correctional Services, Home Guards, or Civil Defence.
- Have completed 25 years of service, irrespective of rank, as on the date of the occasion, that is 26 January or 15 August.
- Hold a clean service record during the review period with no major penalties.
- Maintain a strong ACR and APAR record. At least 10 years of records are required, of which 5 years should be rated Outstanding and 8 years rated Very Good or higher.
- Keep SHAPE 1 physical fitness classification, which can be relaxed in specific cases.
- Maintain a gap of 6 years after receiving Medal for Meritorious Service, which can be relaxed to 4 years in exceptional cases.
Application Process
The award is made through recommendation and not through direct self application. Recommending authorities forward the proposal through the official portal.
STEP 1 - The recommending authority opens the National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
STEP 2 - The authority registers or logs in using valid departmental credentials.
STEP 3 - Complete the digital nomination form with full service history and ACR and APAR data.
STEP 4 - Upload all required supporting documents and submit the proposal for review.
STEP 5 - The state government or central organisation forwards the recommendation to Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ministry of Home Affairs then checks vigilance status and service records. A screening committee reviews the credentials on performance and merit. Final approval is given by the President of India.
Duplicate Medal Request
If a medal is lost, an awardee can apply for a replacement by submitting an FIR and a formal request through the proper official channel. The awardee must bear the production cost and pay a penalty of ₹10,000 by demand draft in favour of the Pay and Accounts Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Documents
The following documents are submitted along with the recommendation.
- Complete service record certificate.
- Copies of ACRs or APARs for the required period.
- Current vigilance clearance certificate and integrity certificate.
- Medical fitness certificate confirming SHAPE status.
- Official recommendation letter from the competent authority.
- Detailed citation showing specific service contributions and cadre clearance certificate.
References
For rules and updates, visit the official links below.
Ministry of Home Affairs Official Website
FAQ's
Who confers the President's Medal for Distinguished Service?
The medal is formally conferred by the President of India.
Is there a cash reward attached to this medal?
No, this is an honorary award for distinguished service. There is no cash payment.
What is the minimum service period?
Personnel must have completed at least 25 years of service.
Can personnel with disciplinary history apply?
No, candidates must keep a clean service record with no major penalties during the review period.
How many medals were awarded on Independence Day 2026?
A total of 92 President's Medals for Distinguished Service were awarded, with 83 to Police, 4 to Fire Service, 3 to Civil Defence and Home Guard, and 2 to Correctional Service.
What happens if a medal is lost?
A duplicate may be issued once after submission of an FIR and payment of the prescribed production cost and a ₹10,000 penalty.
How is physical fitness checked?
Personnel should keep SHAPE 1 fitness status, though exceptions may be allowed in specific cases.