Armed Forces Flag Day 2026 will be observed on Monday, 7 December. On this day India honours its soldiers, sailors and airmen, and citizens are invited to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF), which supports ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents. This guide explains the history of the day, what the fund pays for, and how to donate safely through official channels.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2026: Date
Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on 7 December every year, and in 2026 it falls on a Monday. It has been observed on this date since 1949.
History of Armed Forces Flag Day
On 28 August 1949, a committee set up under the Defence Minister decided that a Flag Day would be observed every year on 7 December. The idea was to involve citizens in the welfare of defence personnel soon after Independence.
In 1993 the Ministry of Defence merged several welfare funds into one single fund, the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. These were:
- Amalgamated Special Fund for War Bereaved, War Disabled and other ex-servicemen and serving personnel
- Flag Day Fund
- St Dunstan’s (India) and Kendriya Sainik Board Fund
- Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare Fund
Why Armed Forces Flag Day Matters
The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, administers the AFFDF. The fund provides financial assistance to needy ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents, and to institutions that help in their rehabilitation. The benefits reach families through a nationwide network of Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards. You can find yours in our Rajya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Board list.
Many KSB grants are paid from this fund. In October 2025 the Ministry of Defence doubled three of them. Read the details here:
How to Donate to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
Contributions are accepted throughout the year, not only on 7 December. The official options are:
- Online: through the dedicated website of the fund, affdf.gov.in.
- Cheque or demand draft: an account payee cheque or DD payable to “Armed Forces Flag Day Fund”, sent c/o Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Ministry of Defence, West Block IV, Wing-VII, 2nd Floor, RK Puram, New Delhi – 110066.
- Bank deposit or transfer: into the AFFDF accounts at Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India or ICICI Bank (RK Puram branches). Copy the account details only from the official KSB donation page.
Stay safe: pay only through the official website or official bank details. Do not send money to UPI IDs or links that reach you on WhatsApp or social media, and check that the website address ends with .gov.in.
Tax Benefit on Flag Day Donations
KSB states that contributions to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund are exempt from income tax under Section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Corporate contributions can also count towards CSR under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Keep two points in mind. First, deductions under Section 80G are generally available only if you file under the old tax regime, not the new one. Our post on deductions allowed in the new tax regime for defence personnel explains the difference. Second, a new Income-tax Act, 2025 applies from FY 2026-27, while KSB’s page still cites the 1961 Act. Please confirm with a tax professional how to claim the benefit. This is general information, not tax advice. Keep your donation receipt safe.
FAQs
When is Armed Forces Flag Day 2026?
On Monday, 7 December 2026.
Who manages the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund?
The Kendriya Sainik Board, under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
Who benefits from the fund?
Needy ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents, and institutions involved in their rehabilitation.
Can I donate on any day of the year?
Yes. Contributions are received throughout the year.
How do I donate safely?
Use the official website affdf.gov.in, a cheque or DD, or the official bank details given by KSB.
Final Words
Armed Forces Flag Day is a reminder that the welfare of veterans is a shared responsibility. If you can, contribute through the official channels. If you cannot, help an ex-serviceman family in your area with their paperwork or share this guide. You can also read more in our Welfare News section.
