Police Medal for Meritorious Service 2026: Honour, Eligibility & Nomination Process

At a glance

About the scheme

Instituted under the Police-I Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Police Medal for Meritorious Service recognises consistent professional excellence, discipline, and dedication among police, CAPF, and CPO personnel. The distinction honours officers with unblemished careers spanning at least eighteen years, supported by strong performance appraisals. Conferred annually on national occasions, the honour enhances service credibility, boosts career prospects, and formally records an officer's distinguished contribution to national security and public safety.

Benefits

• Conferment of the physical Police Medal for Meritorious Service along with an official citation
• High national recognition and prestige on national occasions
• Formal entry of the award in official service records
• Enhanced career prospects and professional credibility
• Official acknowledgment of long-term meritorious service and dedication

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Must be a serving police officer or personnel of CAPFs or CPOs
• Must have completed a minimum of 18 years of service
• Must possess a clean service record without any major penalties
• Must demonstrate meritorious, consistent, and exemplary service
• Must have Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) available for the last 10 years
• Must have at least 8 'Very Good' or above ACR ratings, with at least 1 rated as 'Outstanding'
• Must not have any 'Average' ACR during the review period
• Must not have more than 1 missing ACR during the assessment period
• Must have the most recent year's ACR available
• Must have at least 1 ACR after the Non-Initiation Certificate (NIC) period, if applicable
• Must meet the SHAPE 1 medical fitness category (SHAPE 2 permissible only in exceptional cases)
• Must not have exceeded 3 lifetime nominations for Group A officers
• Must have no adverse vigilance or disciplinary proceedings pending

Documents required

• Service Record Certificate
• Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) or Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) for the last 10 years
• Vigilance Clearance Certificate
• Integrity Certificate
• Medical Fitness Certificate (SHAPE Category)
• Recommendation Letter from the Competent Authority
• Citation Document highlighting service contribution
• Cadre Clearance Certificate
• Non-Initiation Certificate (if applicable)
• Verification Reports from IB, CBI, or MHA (if applicable)

How to apply

1. 1The recommending authority accesses the official National Awards Portal at awards.gov.in.
2. 2Log in using the designated official credentials of the state government or central organisation.
3. 3Fill out the online nomination form with complete personal and career details of the officer.
4. 4Prepare the comprehensive nomination proposal including verified service history and 10-year ACR gradings.
5. 5Upload all mandatory documents and submit the official recommendation online for screening.

Frequently asked questions