Army Day 2026 

What is Army Day?

  • Army Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the official transfer of command of the Indian Army from the British to Indian leadership.
  • It marks the day when Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

Historical Background

  • On 15 January 1949, General Sir Francis Butcher handed over command to Lt Gen K. M. Cariappa.
  • This event symbolised:
    • Complete Indianisation of the Army’s top command
    • Assertion of military sovereignty after Independence

Constitutional Context

  • The Indian Army functions under:
    • Article 53 – Executive power of the Union vested in the President
    • Article 74 – Aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
  • President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces

Significance of Army Day

  • Honors:
    • Martyrs and veterans of the Indian Army
    • Soldiers serving in border areas, counter-insurgency zones, and UN peacekeeping missions
  • Reinforces:
    • Civil–military trust
    • Commitment to national security and constitutional values
  • Provides a platform to showcase:
    • Operational readiness
    • Modernisation and indigenisation efforts

Indian Army: Key Facts

  • One of the largest standing armies in the world
  • Operates under the principle of civilian control of the military
  • Roles include:
    • External defence
    • Counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency
    • Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance
    • United Nations peacekeeping operations

Army Day and Modernisation

  • Emphasis on:
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence
    • Indigenous platforms, weapons, and logistics
  • Integration of:
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Drones and unmanned systems
    • Network-centric warfare
  • Alignment with theatre command reforms and joint operations doctrine
About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and esteemed examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam comprises three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview) — designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, decision-making, and leadership skills.


How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent revision, structured answer writing, and smart test-taking strategies. The Prelims test analytical and conceptual clarity, the Mains focuses on critical thinking, articulation, and subject mastery, while the Interview assesses presence of mind, ethical judgment, and personality traits relevant to public service.

At UnderStand UPSC, we empower aspirants with a personalized and focused approach to each stage of the exam.


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