With the experience gained during 1971 Indo – Pak War and increasing operational importance of the vast desert sector, ‘Konark Corps’ was raised on the auspicious day of Shivratri on 26 February 1987 under Lieutenant General A K Chatterjee, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal during Operation Trident.

Though the Corps was raised in 1987, the constituting formations have already earned laurels and accolades in battles of 1965 and 1971. The famous battle of Laungewala fought in 1971 embodies the grit and determination as well as the spirit of valour and sacrifice of Konark Corps. Post the Parliament attack, the Konark Corps distinguished itself in Operation Parakram and has been intimately involved in providing succour to citizens of India in times of natural calamities such as Earthquakes and Floods most noteworthy being Bhuj Earthquake, Floods in Rajasthan and Gujarat as well as the floods in Southern State of Kerala.

Konark Corps safeguards the largest extent of Nation’s International Border encompassing the uniqueness of the Thar, the Rann, Creek and Coastal areas. In addition, it preserves the rich bio-diversity and cultural heritage in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The harsh terrain accentuated by extreme temperatures and scarcity of water poses the biggest challenge. Consequentially, physical fitness, robust cognitive ability, survival training and optimum maintenance of equipment functionality are benchmark disciplines which exemplify Konark Corps. Besides the operational responsibility, Konark Corps is closely associated with absorption of latest generation equipment as well as adoption of new concepts by the Indian Army.

Also referred to as ‘Desert Corps’ within the Indian Army, the Corps adopted “Konark” as its formation insignia after Konark Sun Temple of Puri, as a symbolic representation of the radiation of sun in eight cardinal directions, thereby establishing a spiritual link with the Sun City – Jodhpur.