78th Army Day Celebrated Outside Military Cantonment in Rajasthan
78th Army Day parade held in Rajasthan, honoring soldiers and veterans.
Photo by Mitul Gajera
Key Facts
Event: 78th Army Day
Date: 15 January 2026
Location: Rajasthan (Jaipur)
First time: Outside military cantonment
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on the evolution of the Indian Army, Assertion-Reason questions on the significance of Army Day, Analytical questions on the changing role of the Army in nation-building.
Visual Insights
Location of Army Day Celebration - Jaipur, Rajasthan
Shows the location of the 78th Army Day celebration in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking the first time the event was held outside a military cantonment.
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More Information
Background
The tradition of celebrating Army Day on January 15th stems from the day Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. This transfer of power from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, marked a pivotal moment in India's post-independence history, symbolizing the complete indigenization of the Indian Army.
Prior to this, while India had gained independence in 1947, the highest position in the army was still held by a British officer. The early years following independence were crucial for establishing the structure and ethos of the Indian armed forces, and Cariappa's leadership played a vital role in shaping the army's future. The celebrations serve as a reminder of this historical transition and the continued dedication of the Indian Army to national service.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Indian Army has focused on modernization, technological advancements, and enhanced operational readiness. There's been a push for indigenization in defense production, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. The Army has also been actively involved in disaster relief operations and humanitarian assistance, both domestically and internationally.
Furthermore, there's been increased emphasis on joint military exercises with friendly nations to enhance interoperability and strategic partnerships. Looking ahead, the Indian Army is expected to continue its focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and space-based assets to maintain its edge in a rapidly evolving security landscape. The shift towards celebrating Army Day outside cantonments reflects a broader effort to connect with the civilian population and showcase the Army's role in nation-building.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the historical significance of Army Day: 1. It commemorates the appointment of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 2. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over from General Sir Roy Bucher on this day. 3. The Army Day parade has always been held within military cantonments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief from General Sir Roy Bucher. Statement 3 is incorrect as the 78th Army Day was celebrated outside a military cantonment for the first time.
2. Assertion (A): Celebrating Army Day outside military cantonments is a recent initiative. Reason (R): This move aims to enhance public engagement and showcase the Indian Army's contribution to nation-building. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true, but R is false
- D.A is false, but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are correct. Celebrating Army Day outside cantonments is a recent initiative, and the reason behind it is to increase public interaction and highlight the Army's role in nation-building.
3. Which of the following initiatives is/are directly related to the modernization and indigenization efforts of the Indian Army? 1. 'Make in India' initiative 2. Increased focus on cybersecurity and AI 3. Celebration of Army Day outside cantonments Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
'Make in India' initiative and the increased focus on cybersecurity and AI are directly related to the modernization and indigenization efforts of the Indian Army. Celebrating Army Day outside cantonments is more related to public engagement.