Captain Amit Semwal was born on 23 September 1976 in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, to Shri Tara Dutt Semwal and Smt Pushpa Semwal. He joined the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Army in 1997. He was commissioned into 16 Dogra of The Dogra Regiment.
During his service, Captain Amit Semwal served in Jammu & Kashmir during the period of intense counter-insurgency operations. By 1999, 16 Dogra was operating in the Rajouri sector, where the battalion conducted search, cordon and counter-insurgency missions against armed militants.
On 14 December 1999, Captain Semwal led his Ghatak team during an operation in the Pohal Gai area of Rajouri district. The troops encountered heavily armed militants and a fierce exchange of fire followed. During the engagement, Captain Semwal was wounded but continued to lead his men and press the attack.
He displayed exceptional courage while attempting to neutralise the hostile fire and continued fighting despite his injuries. He was eventually fatally wounded during the operation and succumbed to his injuries.
Captain Amit Semwal was 23 years old at the time of his death. In recognition of his exceptional courage, leadership and sacrifice during the operation, he was awarded the Kirti Chakra posthumously.
His service number was IC-57443 and his last unit was 16 Dogra of The Dogra Regiment.