COAS Commendation Medal for Assam veteran Col Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya
Synopsis
A retired Army Colonel from Assam who topped the NDA exam, led operations on two frontiers, and now mentors defence aspirants from the Northeast has received the COAS Commendation Medal — recognition that his service to the nation did not end at retirement.
Key Takeaways
Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya (Retd) of Assam received the COAS Commendation Card and Medal from Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a ceremony in Tezpur .
Bhattacharya served in the Indian Army for over 33 years and was the first person from Assam to secure All India Rank 1 in the UPSC NDA examination.
He participated in Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram , serving along both the Pakistan and China borders.
Post-retirement, he practises law at the Gauhati High Court , teaches at Arya Vidyapeeth College , and runs the Dibya Shankar Foundation to mentor defence aspirants from the Northeast.
He was also recently conferred the Sarvottam Sadhna Award 2026 for his contributions to society.
Retired Indian Army officer Colonel Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya of Assam has been awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card and Medal by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation and continued contributions after retirement, officials said on Monday, 22 June. The honour was conferred at an official ceremony held in Tezpur on Saturday.
What the Army Chief Said
Presenting the award, General Dwivedi praised Col. Bhattacharya's exemplary record both within the armed forces and in civilian life, noting that he continues to uphold the highest standards of duty, integrity, commitment, and professional excellence even after hanging up his uniform. The Army Chief said Col. Bhattacharya's contributions to national development and public service have been invaluable and have set a benchmark for fellow veterans and citizens alike.
A Decorated Military Career
Col. Bhattacharya served in the Indian Army for more than 33 years and holds the distinction of being the first person from Assam to secure All India Rank 1 in the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination. During his service, he was deployed in operational areas along both the Pakistan and China borders and participated in key operations, including Operation Rakshak in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, and Operation Parakram.
He also topped the prestigious Senior Officers Course of the Indian Army and served on deputation as a Director in the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), where he earned recognition for leadership and administrative capabilities. He held several important appointments across his illustrious career.
Service Beyond the Uniform
Since retirement, Col. Bhattacharya has remained deeply engaged in public life. He currently practises as an advocate at the Gauhati High Court and serves as a Professor of Practice at Arya Vidyapeeth College. He also founded the Dibya Shankar Foundation, an initiative that mentors and guides aspiring defence personnel from Assam and the broader Northeast, encouraging young men and women to pursue careers in the armed forces.
Recent Recognition
The COAS commendation follows another recent honour — Col. Bhattacharya was conferred the Sarvottam Sadhna Award 2026 for his contributions to society. Together, these accolades reflect a life of sustained service that has extended well beyond the boundaries of a conventional military career, and one that continues to inspire future generations across the Northeast to serve the nation with distinction.
Point of View
Recognising a retired officer who is simultaneously a lawyer, an academic, and a grassroots defence mentor sends a deliberate message. The Northeast, historically underrepresented in officer-grade defence recruitment, gains a high-profile role model — and the Army, by spotlighting him, implicitly acknowledges the region's untapped potential.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COAS Commendation Card and Medal?
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card and Medal is an official recognition awarded by the Army Chief to military personnel or veterans for distinguished service and exceptional contributions to the Indian Army and the nation.
Who is Col. Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya?
Col. Dibya Shankar Bhattacharya (Retd) is a veteran Indian Army officer from Assam who served for over 33 years. He is the first person from Assam to secure All India Rank 1 in the UPSC NDA examination and participated in operations including Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram.
Where was the COAS award ceremony held?
The ceremony was held in Tezpur, Assam, where Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi personally presented the Commendation Card and Medal to Col. Bhattacharya.
What does Col. Bhattacharya do after retirement?
After retiring from the Army, Col. Bhattacharya practises as an advocate at the Gauhati High Court, serves as a Professor of Practice at Arya Vidyapeeth College, and runs the Dibya Shankar Foundation, which mentors defence aspirants from Assam and the Northeast.
What other award did Col. Bhattacharya recently receive?
Col. Bhattacharya was recently conferred the Sarvottam Sadhna Award 2026 for his contributions to society, making the COAS Commendation his second major recognition in a short span.
