Important Dates in Indian History

Republic Day is observed in India every year on 26 January because the Constitution of India came into force on this date in 1950, making India a republic. 26 November marks the adoption of the Constitution, not Republic Day. Exam tip: remember 26 November for Constitution Day and 26 January for Republic Day.

Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. 30 January is Gandhi’s death anniversary and is observed as Martyrs’ Day. Exam tip: 2 October is also observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.

Indian Army Day is observed every year on 15 January. On this date in 1949, Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa took charge as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 4 December is Indian Navy Day, while 26 July is Kargil Vijay Diwas. Exam tip: remember Army Day through Cariappa’s assumption of command.

Indian Coast Guard Day is observed every year on 1 February, commemorating the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard on 1 February 1977. 4 December is Indian Navy Day, so it is a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: Remember 1 February for Coast Guard Day and 4 December for Navy Day.

National Science Day is observed in India every year on 28 February. It commemorates Dr C. V. Raman’s discovery of the Raman Effect. 11 May is National Technology Day, so it is a related but incorrect option. Exam tip: Remember 28 February with the Raman Effect and C. V. Raman.

National Safety Day is observed in India every year on 4 March. It promotes workplace safety, accident prevention, and safe work practices. 5 April is not associated with this observance. Exam tip: Link 4 March with the foundation day of the National Safety Council.

National Maritime Day is observed in India every year on 5 April. It is linked with the growth of Indian shipping and maritime trade; on 5 April 1919, the Indian-owned ship S.S. Loyalty began its maiden voyage. 21 April is Civil Services Day, so that option is incorrect. Exam tip: remember National Maritime Day with 5 April and S.S. Loyalty.

Ambedkar Jayanti is observed every year on 14 April, the birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar. 6 December marks his Mahaparinirvan Diwas, so it is not the correct answer here. Exam tip: Remember 14 April for Ambedkar Jayanti and 6 December for Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on 6 December, the death anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, who died on 6 December 1956. 14 April is his birth anniversary, while 26 November is associated with Constitution Day. Exam tip: Remember Ambedkar Jayanti—14 April; Mahaparinirvan Diwas—6 December.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31 October 1875. His birth anniversary is observed in India as National Unity Day, so 31 October is correct. In contrast, 2 October is associated with the birth anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Exam tip: Remember Sardar Patel with the integration of princely states and National Unity Day.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is observed in India every year on 14 August. It commemorates the violence, displacement, and suffering associated with the Partition of India in 1947. Although 15 August is the adjacent date, it is observed as Independence Day, not this remembrance day. Exam tip: remember 14 August for Partition Horrors Remembrance Day and 15 August for Independence Day.

Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas is observed on 25 June. It is linked to the anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975, which had a major impact on civil liberties and democratic institutions. 26 November is Constitution Day, so it is a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: associate 25 June with the Emergency of 1975.

In India, National Doctors' Day is observed on 1 July. The date is associated with the birth and death anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal. 5 September is Teachers' Day, so it is a plausible but incorrect distractor. Exam tip: Remember 1 July with Dr B. C. Roy and National Doctors' Day.

National Broadcasting Day in India is observed on 23 July. On this date in 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company began radio broadcasting from Bombay, marking an important milestone in the history of organised radio broadcasting in India. 7 August is associated with National Handloom Day, not Broadcasting Day. Exam tip: Remember 23 July as the date linked to the beginning of Indian radio broadcasting.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed annually on 9 January. The date commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915. In contrast, 12 January is associated with Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary and National Youth Day. Exam tip: remember 9 January as both Gandhi’s return to India and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Foundation Day is observed on 15 January because the department was established on 15 January 1875. Although 14 and 16 January are nearby dates, neither is the foundation date. Exam tip: remember IMD with 15 January and the year 1875.

Parakram Diwas is observed every year on 23 January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who was born on 23 January 1897. Therefore, option B is correct. While 30 January is associated with Martyrs’ Day in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi, 15 August is Independence Day. Exam tip: Remember 23 January as both Netaji’s birth anniversary and Parakram Diwas.

In India, National Anti-Leprosy Day is observed every year on 30 January. The date is also the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who emphasised service to people affected by leprosy and ending discrimination against them. 25 January is National Voters' Day, making it a close but incorrect option. Exam tip: remember national observances by linking them with related personalities or historical dates.

Central Excise Day is observed in India on 24 February. It is associated with the coming into force of the Central Excise and Salt Act, 1944. 28 February is National Science Day, making it a plausible but incorrect distractor. Exam tip: remember national observances along with the related Act or event.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was raised on 10 March 1969; therefore, its Raising Day is observed on 10 March every year. 21 October is associated with Police Commemoration Day, not CISF Raising Day. Exam tip: Remember CISF with the security of industrial establishments, airports, and vital government assets.