Ex-President’s ADC Major Rishabh Sambyal Officially Retires From Indian Army Service

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, the Indian Army officer who became a social media sensation while serving as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, has taken premature retirement after around 12 years of service. The 4 Para (Special Forces) officer, widely dubbed the internet’s “national crush” for his appearances alongside the President at official events and foreign visits, formally left the Army in late August 2026. Sambyal was selected as an ADC to President Murmu in March 2023 and served in the high-profile role at Rashtrapati Bhavan for more than three years. During his tenure, he was a constant presence beside the President during ceremonial duties, state functions and overseas trips, with photographs and videos of him in uniform regularly going viral on social media. His disciplined bearing and low-key public profile contributed to the “national crush” tag that spread across platforms, even as he largely stayed away from personal social media accounts.

After completing his tenure as ADC, Sambyal met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21, 2026, to thank her for her guidance and blessings. Pictures from the meeting circulated widely online, marking one of his last public appearances in an official capacity. The President’s office has since updated its digital records to list him as “Maj Rishab Sambyal (Retd.), former ADC to the President,” confirming his retirement status. Sambyal’s military career began after he cleared the National Defence Academy examination in 2013. Over the next 12 years, he rose through the ranks from Lieutenant to Captain and then Major, serving in various roles including with the Jat Regiment and the elite 4 Para Special Forces. He also led the Jat Regiment contingent at the 2021 Republic Day Parade and earned the Balidan (sacrifice) badge, a distinction awarded to Special Forces personnel who have seen combat operations.

In interviews and reports following his retirement, Sambyal said his decision to opt for premature retirement was driven by personal and family reasons, and not by any professional dissatisfaction. He emphasised that he remained grateful for his time in the Army and for the opportunity to serve as ADC to the President. The exact nature of his future plans has not been disclosed, but the move has sparked speculation about a possible transition to roles outside the uniformed services. The officer’s retirement has drawn attention both for his decorated service record and for the unusual level of public recognition he gained as an ADC. While aides-de-camp to the President are typically known only within official circles, Sambyal’s visibility during Murmu’s term made him one of the most recognisable uniformed faces in the country. His exit marks the end of a chapter in which a Special Forces Major became an unlikely celebrity, admired online for his professionalism and demeanor.

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Born in Jammu and Kashmir, Sambyal hails from a family with a tradition of service. He is a postgraduate in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University and has completed advanced training in counter-terrorism and special operations. Colleagues and superiors have described him as a highly disciplined officer with strong leadership qualities, attributes that made him a natural choice for the ADC role, which demands precision, discretion and the ability to manage complex schedules. As ADC, Sambyal was responsible for coordinating the President’s daily itinerary, managing protocol during state visits and ensuring security arrangements at public events. He accompanied President Murmu on several high-profile foreign trips, including visits to Africa and Europe, where his presence in uniform drew attention from international media and diplomatic circles. His ability to handle high-pressure situations with calmness was frequently cited by officials who worked closely with him.

Sambyal’s retirement comes at a time when the role of ADCs is under renewed scrutiny, with questions about selection criteria, tenure limits and post-service career paths. While most ADCs return to their parent units after completing their assignments, Sambyal’s case is unique due to his public profile and the widespread admiration he garnered online. His departure has prompted discussions about how military personnel navigate sudden fame and the challenges of balancing public attention with professional responsibilities. The Army has not disclosed further details about his successor or the timeline for appointing a new ADC to President Murmu. Meanwhile, Sambyal has requested privacy as he transitions to civilian life, asking well-wishers to respect his decision to step away from the spotlight. His story, from a Special Forces officer to a national figure admired for his service and demeanor, remains a rare example of how duty, discipline and decorum can resonate beyond the barracks.

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