Captain Shubham Gupta SM Biography In 2026

Captain Shubham Gupta gave up his life in the performance of his duties as an Indian Army officer, which also included service to our nation. He is a role model for many young Indians with his bravery, leadership and sacrifice.

Early Life and Background

Captain Shubham Gupta was born into this world on 07 October 1995 in the Taj Ganj area of Agra, UP. He was the eldest of the two sons of Shri Basant Kumar Gupta and Smt. Pushpa Devi Gupta, who also included his brother Rishabh.

From a very young age, Shubham was a fan of the Armed Forces. The military’s discipline, courage, and sense of service left a large impact on him. As time went by, his admiration grew into a set decision to join the Indian Army.

At St. George’s Inter College in Agra, he got his early education, which is also the time when he showed out his leadership skills and sense of responsibility.

Entry into the Indian Army

In 19 at the time of his selection in 2015, Shubham joined through the Technical Entry Scheme, which is the most competitive path into the Indian Army for science stream students.

He entered the Officers’ Training Academy at Gaya, which had a very tough training regimen for him. At the Academy, he showed outstanding physical endurance, discipline and leadership.

In 2018, he completed his training and was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Corps of Signals, which is a very important branch of the Indian Army that is charged with running communication networks at all times, peacetime and wartime.

Joining 9 Para (Special Forces)

Captain Shubham Gupta was eager to take on bigger challenges. By nature, brave and very adventurous, he put in for the Special Forces, which is the Indian Army’s most elite unit.

After he had completed the very tough probation and special training, he earned his place in 9 Para (Special Forces), which is the most tried and true Special Forces unit in the Army.

Raised in 1966, 9 Para (SF) is noted for their expertise in:

Mountain Warfare

• Counter-Insurgency
• Counter-Terrorism Operations

Being a member of that distinguished unit was a source of great pride to him. He went on to serve in Jammu and Kashmir, which is a region that sees constant counter-insurgency action.

Rajouri Encounter – 22 November 2023

In November 2023, Captain Shubham Gupta’s unit was posted in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir under the command of the XVI Corps.

Intelligence agencies got reports that there were large-scale armed terrorist groups in the Kalakote area of the Gulabgarh forest. That information prompted a joint operation which was put in play on the night of 21/22 November 2023, which included:

• 9 Para (SF)
• 2 Para (SF)
• 63 Rashtriya Rifles
• Jammu and Kashmir Police

Troops set up a perimeter around the reported hideout in the dense forest.

As the search went on, terrorists opened heavy fire from within a ‘dhok’ (temporary mud structure). We had a very intense gun battle.

In the heat of the battle, Captain Shubham Gupta showed great bravery. He left cover when it was very dangerous for his team and went to face the terrorists head-on. Though he was hit by several bullets, he still directed his men and fought on.

At the young age of 28, he gave up the spirit at the time of the evacuation.

The one that ultimately put out the terrorist group did so at great cost. In addition to Captain Shubham Gupta, who is how we lost Captain M.V. Pranjal, Havildar Abdul Majid, Lance Naik Sanjay Bisht, and Paratrooper Sachin Laur, who also gave their lives.

Gallantry Award

On the 26th of January 2024, Captain Shubham Gupta was awarded the Sena Medal (SM) posthumously for his great courage, willpower and the ultimate sacrifice he made.

Legacy

Captain Shubham Gupta lived out the very best of what the Indian Army stands for -- brave, selfless, and true in duty. He gave his all to the nation’s cause, often at the expense of his personal safety.

He is left behind by his father, Shri Basant Kumar Gupta, mother, Smt. Pushpa Gupta and brother Rishabh Gupta.

In 2026, his name will also be that of a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. His story is also to inspire generations to serve the nation with courage, honour, and integrity.