Defence & Armed Forces Days of India
GK Static – Army, Navy, Airforce, Police, Kargil, Coast
Introduction to Defence and Armed Forces Days
India’s Defence and Armed Forces Days salute the heroism and service of our soldiers, airmen, sailors, and police. These dates figure regularly in competitive exams’ GK and Current Affairs.
Memory Trick: A–C–K–A–N–P → Army, Coast Guard, Kargil, Air, Navy, Police
Army Day – 15th January
| Significance | First Indian Commander-in-Chief: Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took command (1949) |
| Observed Since | 1949 |
| Purpose | To salute courage and discipline of Indian Army personnel. |
| Celebrations | Military parade, display at HQ Delhi. |
Coast Guard Day – 1st February
| Established | 1977 |
| Motto | Vayam Rakshamah (“We Protect”) |
| Purpose | Commemorates foundation of Indian Coast Guard, responsible for coastal security. |
Air Force Day – 8th October
| Established | 1932 (IAF founded) |
| Purpose | Honors achievements of Indian Air Force. |
| Main Event | Shows & parades at Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad. |
| Motto | Touch the Sky with Glory |
Navy Day – 4th December
| Significance | Commemorates Operation Trident success, 1971 war (Karachi Harbor) |
| Motto | Sham No Varunah (“May Lord of Oceans be auspicious”) |
| Celebrations | Naval parade, maritime displays |
Kargil Vijay Diwas – 26th July
| Significance | Marks Kargil War victory (1999) |
| Purpose | Tribute to Operation Vijay soldiers. |
| Location of Ceremony | Dras War Memorial, Ladakh |
| Key Hero | Captain Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra) |
National Police Commemoration Day – 21st October
| Established | 1960 |
| Reason | In memory of 10 CRPF jawans at Hot Springs, Ladakh (1959) |
| Purpose | Honors police martyrs nationwide. |
| Event | Memorial parade at Chanakyapuri, Delhi |
Summary Table – Defence & Armed Forces Days
| Day | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Army Day | 15 January | Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took command (1949) |
| Coast Guard Day | 1 February | Foundation of Indian Coast Guard (1977) |
| Kargil Vijay Diwas | 26 July | India’s victory in Kargil War (1999) |
| Air Force Day | 8 October | Founding of Indian Air Force (1932) |
| National Police Commemoration Day | 21 October | Tribute to police martyrs (1959) |
| Navy Day | 4 December | Operation Trident victory (1971) |
PYQs (Delhi Police, SSC & State Exams)
Army Day is celebrated on —
A) 26th January B) 15th January C) 1st February D) 8th October
Show Answer
B) 15th January
Kargil Vijay Diwas marks India’s victory in —
A) 1965 War B) 1971 War C) 1999 War D) 1962 War
Show Answer
C) 1999 (Kargil War)
Navy Day commemorates —
A) Independence Day B) Operation Trident (1971) C) Operation Vijay D) Pokhran Test
Show Answer
B) Operation Trident (1971)
Air Force Day is observed every year on —
A) 8th October B) 4th December C) 15th January D) 1st February
Show Answer
A) 8th October
National Police Commemoration Day honors —
A) Police retirees B) Police martyrs of 1959 Hot Springs incident C) CRPF foundation D) IPS establishment
Show Answer
B) Police martyrs of 1959 Hot Springs incident
Coast Guard Day is celebrated on —
A) 4th December B) 15th January C) 1st February D) 26th July
Show Answer
C) 1st February
Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated in memory of —
A) Operation Blue Star B) Operation Vijay C) Operation Meghdoot D) Operation Trident
Show Answer
B) Operation Vijay
Quick Revision Mnemonics
Final Concept Recap
- Army Day – 15 Jan: First Indian Commander-in-Chief, K. M. Cariappa
- Coast Guard Day – 1 Feb: Foundation of Coast Guard
- Kargil Vijay Diwas – 26 Jul: Victory in 1999 Kargil War
- Air Force Day – 8 Oct: IAF Foundation Day
- Police Commemoration Day – 21 Oct: Tribute to 1959 Hot Springs Martyrs
- Navy Day – 4 Dec: Operation Trident, 1971 Indo-Pak War
One-Line Memory: “From Army’s Leadership to Navy’s Victory — India Salutes Her Defenders Every Season.”
Salute the Forces – Crack Defence GK!
Courage Library boosts your preparation for all competitive exams.
Be a Couragian!