Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal is a former Indian Army officer who served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. In late August 2026, he took premature retirement from the Army after approximately 12 years of service. He became widely known on social media during his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was frequently seen accompanying the President during official ceremonies and state functions.
Current Status: As of August 2026, Major Sambyal is a retired Army officer. The Rashtrapati Bhavan's official Digital Photo Library lists him as "Maj Rishab Sambyal (Retd.), former ADC to the President." He has stated that his retirement decision was driven by personal and family reasons, though he has not publicly announced his next career move.
What Is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's Current Status?
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army. This means he voluntarily left active service before completing his full tenure, a provision available to officers under Army regulations.
Key Confirmed Details:
Retirement Timing: His retirement became publicly known in late August 2026.
Official Confirmation: On August 21, 2026, he met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Photographs from this meeting were later published in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Digital Photo Library with the caption: "Maj Rishab Sambyal (Retd.), former ADC to the President."
His Statement: In an Instagram Live video and subsequent social media posts, Major Sambyal said his decision was due to "personal and family reasons" and that he had his family's full support.youtube
Current Whereabouts: His exact current location and any new employment have not been publicly confirmed.
What This Means: He is no longer serving in the Indian Army and is no longer the President's ADC. His retirement was voluntary (premature retirement), not a disciplinary action or medical discharge.
Why Is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal Trending?
Major Sambyal's name resurfaced in national headlines in late August 2026 when news of his premature retirement spread across media and social platforms.
Why People Are Searching:
Sudden Departure: He retired after around 12 years of service, relatively early for a Major with an elite background.
High-Profile Role: As the President's ADC, he was one of the most visible Army officers in official ceremonies.
Social Media Fame: During his tenure, photographs and videos of him accompanying President Murmu went viral, earning him the informal label "national crush" on social media.
Speculation: Unverified rumors circulated about marriage plans, career changes, and reasons for retirement. He later addressed some of these in an Instagram Live session.
His Response: In his Instagram Live, Major Sambyal clarified that he is unmarried, has no immediate marriage plans, and that his retirement was driven by personal and family considerations. youtube
Army Career and Background
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's Army career spans approximately 12 years, from his commission in 2018 to his retirement in August 2026.
Commission and Early Service
Commissioned: 2018, as a Lieutenant into the Indian Armytherealfighter
Regiment: Jat Regiment (initial regimental assignment)
Ranks Held: Lieutenant → Captain → Major
Republic Day 2021: A Defining Moment
On January 26, 2021, then-Captain Rishabh Singh (before the "Sambyal" surname addition) led the Jat Regiment contingent at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.
Achievement: Under his leadership, the Jat Regiment contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
This moment brought him initial recognition within Army circles and later became a key part of his public profile when photographs from the parade resurfaced on social media.
Transition to 4 Para Special Forces
After his regimental service with the Jat Regiment, Major Sambyal transitioned to 4 Para (Special Forces), one of the Indian Army's elite special operations units.
What This Means: 4 Para SF is part of the Parachute Regiment (the "Red Devils") and specializes in high-risk operations including counter-terrorism, surgical strikes, and special reconnaissance in challenging terrains. Officers selected for 4 Para SF undergo rigorous additional training and are considered among the Army's most capable operators.
His Role as President Droupadi Murmu's ADC
Major Sambyal served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu during her tenure.
What Does an ADC Do?
An Aide-de-Camp is a senior military officer assigned to assist a high-ranking dignitary—in this case, the President of India, who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.
Key Responsibilities:
Protocol Management: Coordinating the President's official schedule, ceremonies, and state functions
Ceremonial Duties: Accompanying the President during investiture ceremonies, state banquets, diplomatic meetings, and national celebrations
Liaison Work: Serving as a bridge between the President's office and various government departments, military commands, and foreign delegations
Security Coordination: Working with security agencies to ensure smooth and secure movement during official travel (domestic and international)
Document Handling: Managing official documents, briefings, and communications requiring the President's attention
Important Clarification: An ADC is not a bodyguard. While security is part of the broader protocol, the ADC's primary role is administrative, ceremonial, and coordinative.
Why ADCs Are Visible
ADCs are frequently seen alongside the President in photographs and videos because their role requires them to be present at almost all official events. This visibility explains why Major Sambyal became a familiar face in media coverage of Presidential activities.
Tenure Duration
While exact start and end dates of his ADC appointment have not been officially published, media reports indicate he served in this role for several years during President Murmu's tenure (which began in July 2022).
4 Para Special Forces Connection
Major Sambyal's association with 4 Para (Special Forces) is a significant part of his military identity.
What Is 4 Para SF?
4 Para Special Forces (also known as 4 Para SF) is one of the Indian Army's elite special operations units under the Parachute Regiment.
Key Characteristics:
Elite Status: Part of the Army's Special Forces, trained for high-risk missions including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, surgical strikes, and special reconnaissance
Nickname: "Mighty Daggers" and "Four of the North"
Parent Regiment: Parachute Regiment (known as the "Red Devils" for their maroon berets)
Operational Expertise: Specialized in mountain, jungle, and desert warfare; rapid deployment capabilities; close-quarter combat; intelligence gathering
Selection: Officers and soldiers undergo rigorous selection and training processes; only a small percentage qualify for SF roles
Why This Matters: An officer with 4 Para SF credentials is considered highly trained and operationally experienced. Major Sambyal's SF background adds depth to his profile beyond his ceremonial ADC role.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's Education
Major Sambyal's educational and training path followed the standard route for officers entering through the National Defence Academy (NDA).therealfighters+2
Verified Education Timeline
| Stage | Institution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| School | Sainik School, Kapurthala (Punjab) | Senior Secondary (Class XI-XII); defence-oriented curriculum |
| NDA Entrance | UPSC NDA Examination | Cleared in 2013 |
| NDA Training | National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla (Pune) | 133rd NDA Course (2014-2017); tri-service training |
| Pre-Commission | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun | Advanced officer training (2017-2018) |
| Commission | Indian Army | Commissioned as Lieutenant in 2018 |
Additional Notes
Hometown Schooling: He completed his early education in Jammu and Kashmir before attending Sainik School Kapurthala.
NDA Course: The 133rd NDA Course is a well-documented entry batch; this aligns with his 2018 commission timeline.
Higher Education: Some sources mention he pursued a bachelor's degree, but the specific institution and field of study have not been officially confirmed in primary sources.
When Did He Join the Indian Army?
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 as a Lieutenant.
Commission: 2018 (Lieutenant)
Retirement: August 2026 (Major)
Total Service: Approximately 12 years (including training years at NDA and IMA)
Promotion Timeline:
Lieutenant (2018)
Captain (by 2021; led Republic Day contingent)
Major (date not publicly specified; held this rank during ADC tenure)
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's Age
Important: Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's exact birth date and year have not been reliably verified through primary official sources such as government records, defence ministry publications, or verified public profiles.
What Some Sources Claim:
A few biography websites list his birth year as 1994 and birth date as March 11.labaranyau+1
Based on 1994, he would be approximately 32 years old as of 2026.
Why This Is Uncertain:
These details appear on third-party biography websites, not official defence or government sources.
No verified public document (such as an official press release, defence ministry profile, or verified social media bio) confirms his birth date.
The name-change document from 2026 does not include his date of birth.
Responsible Reporting: Until an official source confirms his birth details, his exact age should be treated as unverified.
Who Is His Father?
Critical Note: The identity of Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's father has not been independently verified through official government or defence sources.
What One Document Shows:
A name-change affidavit that surfaced in 2026 lists his father's name as Opinder Singh.
The document states: "I, hitherto known as RISHABH SINGH S/o OPINDER SINGH... have changed my name and shall hereafter be known as RISHABH SINGH SAMBYAL."
Important Caveats:
This is a self-declared affidavit, not an official defence ministry or government biographical record.
The document has not been independently corroborated through other official sources.
Some biography websites have copied this name without noting its source or verification status.
Responsible Conclusion: While the name "Opinder Singh" appears in a name-change document, it should be treated as unverified until confirmed through official channels.
Mother's Name: No credible source has publicly confirmed his mother's name.
Family and Personal Life
Hometown and Background
District: Samba, Jammu and Kashmir
Community: Dogra Rajput
Family Tradition: Described as coming from a family with military traditions, though specific details about other family members in defence services have not been officially confirmed.
Marital Status
Confirmed: Major Sambyal is unmarried and has no immediate marriage plans.filmibeat+2
His Statement: In an Instagram Live session in mid-August 2026, he directly addressed speculation:
"No, I'm not married."
"I don't have a girlfriend."
"I am not going to marry any foreigner, and there are no marriage plans in the near future."bollywoodshaadis
Why This Matters: Some social media speculation suggested his retirement was linked to marriage plans. He explicitly denied this.
Personal Interests
Limited information is available about his personal interests outside of his military career. He has maintained a relatively low public profile on social media, with most attention coming from his official role rather than personal posts.
Why Did He Leave the Army?
Official Reason (Per His Statement): Major Sambyal has stated that his decision to take premature retirement was driven by personal and family reasons.
His Exact Words (from Instagram Live and social media posts):
"In everyone's life there are situations and instances which change your life forever."
"It was because of some personal reasons and because of some family reasons that I chose to leave the organization."
He emphasized that his family supported his decision.
What Is NOT Confirmed:
Specific personal or family reasons: He has not publicly elaborated on the exact nature of these reasons.
Marriage-related reasons: He explicitly denied that marriage plans influenced his decision.
Career dissatisfaction: There is no evidence or statement suggesting dissatisfaction with Army service.
Health or disciplinary issues: No official source has indicated any such factors.timesofindia.
Army's Position: The Indian Army has not issued a detailed public statement on his retirement beyond acknowledging it as a voluntary premature retirement.timesofindia.
What Is He Doing Now?
Current Status (As of Late August 2026):
Employment: No publicly announced new job or career move.
Location: His exact current location has not been publicly confirmed.
Public Activity: He has made limited public appearances since his retirement, with his Instagram Live in mid-August being one of the few direct communications.
What Typically Happens After ADC Tenure:
Officers who complete ADC tenure normally return to their parent regiment or unit for further operational or staff appointments. However, since Major Sambyal took premature retirement, he is no longer bound by Army posting cycles.
Possible Next Steps (Speculative, Not Confirmed):
Private sector roles (corporate security, defence consulting, leadership training)
Further education or certifications
Entrepreneurship or personal ventures
Continued low public profile while deciding next steps
Important: Until he makes an official announcement, any claims about his current employment or location should be treated as unconfirmed.
Timeline of His Career
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2013 | Early Education | Jammu and Kashmir; Sainik School Kapurthala (Class XI-XII) |
| 2013 | NDA Entrance | Cleared UPSC NDA examination |
| 2014-2017 | NDA Training | 133rd Course, Khadakwasla, Pune |
| 2017-2018 | IMA Training | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun |
| 2018 | Commission | Lieutenant, Jat Regiment, Indian Army |
| Jan 2021 | Republic Day Parade | Led Jat Regiment contingent; won Best Marching Contingent Trophy |
| 2021+ | 4 Para SF | Transitioned to 4 Para Special Forces |
| 2022-2026 | ADC Appointment | Served as Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Post-Retirement Meeting | Met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan; listed as "Retd." in official photo library |
| Late Aug 2026 | Public Announcement | Media reports confirm premature retirement; he addresses public via social media |
What Happens Next?
For Major Sambyal:
He has not announced his next career move.
He may choose to remain out of public view while deciding his next steps.
Any future announcements would likely come through his verified social media channels or official press statements.
For the ADC Position:
The President of India typically has multiple ADCs from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A new Army officer will be appointed to fill the ADC vacancy.
In July 2026, Major Navya Shekhawat became the first woman Army officer to serve as the President's ADC, indicating ongoing rotation and appointments.
FAQs
Where is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal currently?
His exact current location has not been publicly confirmed. He has not announced his whereabouts or any new employment as of late August 2026.
What is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's age?
His exact birth date and year have not been reliably verified through official sources. Some biography websites suggest 1994 (making him approximately 32 in 2026), but this is not confirmed by primary government or defence records.
Who is the father of Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
A name-change affidavit from 2026 lists his father's name as Opinder Singh, but this has not been independently verified through official government or defence sources.
When did Rishabh Singh Sambyal join the Army?
He was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 as a Lieutenant after training at NDA and IMA.
Who is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
He is a former Indian Army Major who served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. He took premature retirement in August 2026 after approximately 12 years of service.
Why did he become famous?
He gained widespread recognition on social media during his tenure as the President's ADC, where photographs and videos of him accompanying President Murmu during official ceremonies went viral. His role in the 2021 Republic Day Parade (leading the Jat Regiment contingent) also contributed to his profile.
Was he President Droupadi Murmu's ADC?
Yes, he served as Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu during her tenure. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Digital Photo Library now lists him as "former ADC to the President."
Which regiment did he serve in?
He was initially commissioned into the Jat Regiment and later served with 4 Para (Special Forces).n
What is 4 Para Special Forces?
4 Para Special Forces is an elite special operations unit of the Indian Army under the Parachute Regiment. It specializes in counter-terrorism, surgical strikes, and high-risk operations in challenging terrains.
What was his Army career?
His career included: commission in 2018 (Jat Regiment), leading the Jat Regiment contingent at Republic Day 2021 (winning Best Marching Contingent Trophy), transitioning to 4 Para SF, and serving as ADC to President Murmu before taking premature retirement in August 2026.
Why did he take premature retirement?
He has stated that his decision was driven by personal and family reasons. He has not publicly elaborated on specific details.
What is he doing after leaving the Army?
As of late August 2026, he has not publicly announced his next career move or current employment.
What is known about his education?
He attended Sainik School Kapurthala, cleared the NDA examination in 2013, trained at NDA (2014-2017) and IMA (2017-2018), and was commissioned in 2018.
Where is he from?
He is from Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal married?
No, he has confirmed in an Instagram Live session that he is unmarried and has no immediate marriage plans.
What does an ADC do?
An Aide-de-Camp assists a high-ranking dignitary (such as the President) with protocol management, ceremonial duties, liaison work, security coordination, and document handling. ADCs are frequently visible alongside the dignitary at official events.
What happened at Republic Day 2021 with Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
As a Captain, he led the Jat Regiment contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, presented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Why did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal leave the Army so early?
He took premature retirement after approximately 12 years of service, citing personal and family reasons. He has not provided specific details beyond this general explanation.
What is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal doing now in 2026?
He has not publicly announced his current employment or activities. His exact location and next career move remain unconfirmed.
How long did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal serve as ADC?
The exact duration of his ADC tenure has not been officially published, but he served in this role for several years during President Murmu's tenure (which began in July 2022).
Did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal retire due to marriage plans?
No, he explicitly denied this in an Instagram Live session, stating he is unmarried and has no immediate marriage plans.
What rank did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal hold when he retired?
He retired as a Major.
Where can I find official information about Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
Official confirmation of his retirement status appears in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Digital Photo Library. For general Army information, the Indian Army and Ministry of Defence websites are authoritative sources.
Will Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal return to the Army?
Premature retirement is typically a permanent separation from service. There has been no indication that he plans to rejoin.
What is the "national crush" label about Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
This is an informal social media label that emerged from viral photographs and videos of him during his ADC tenure. It is not an official designation and should not overshadow his military service and achievements.