Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has recently become one of the most talked-about young officers associated with the Indian Army. Known to many through his appearances alongside President Droupadi Murmu, Sambyal’s composed personality, military bearing and professional presence have made him a familiar face far beyond the usual circles of defence enthusiasts.
His journey, however, is about much more than viral photographs and social-media attention. From military education and demanding Army training to serving as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, his career reflects discipline, responsibility and a commitment to military service.
Who is Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal is an Indian Army officer who served as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu. An ADC plays an important role in supporting a senior constitutional authority during official engagements, ceremonies, travel and other duties.
His association with Rashtrapati Bhavan brought him into the public eye. Photographs and videos of him accompanying President Murmu at official events, including major national ceremonies, were widely shared online.
The President of India’s official Digital Photo Library also records Major R.S. Sambyal meeting President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in March 2024.
From Sainik School to the National Defence Academy
Sambyal’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in military-oriented education. Reports state that he studied at Sainik School Kapurthala before progressing to the National Defence Academy (NDA).
The NDA is one of India’s premier institutions for training future officers of the Armed Forces. After three years at the academy, Sambyal continued his military training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), the institution responsible for preparing cadets for commissioning into the Indian Army.
This demanding educational route helped establish the foundation for a career that would eventually take him to one of the most visible assignments an Army officer can receive.
A career shaped by discipline and responsibility
Before becoming widely known as the President’s ADC, Sambyal served in the Indian Army and was associated with the 4 Para Special Forces, according to multiple reports.
His career also included an appearance at the Republic Day Parade. His professional achievements and military background helped establish his reputation as an officer well suited to positions requiring discipline, confidence and composure.
His appointment as an ADC to President Murmu subsequently brought another dimension to his career. The role placed him alongside the President during high-profile constitutional, ceremonial and diplomatic engagements.
Why did Major Sambyal become famous on social media?
Military officers generally maintain a relatively low public profile. Major Sambyal was different.
Images and videos of him accompanying President Murmu began attracting considerable attention on social media. His formal military uniform, calm demeanour and polished appearance quickly made him a recognisable figure among internet users.
During public events, even brief moments involving the officer were widely circulated online. His popularity eventually earned him the informal social-media label of India’s “national crush.”
However, the online attention should not overshadow the nature of his actual job. Behind the photographs was an officer performing a demanding professional role in close proximity to one of India’s highest constitutional offices.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal and President Droupadi Murmu
As an ADC, Sambyal was frequently seen accompanying President Droupadi Murmu during official engagements.
The position requires much more than simply appearing beside the President. An ADC assists with protocol, coordination and the smooth conduct of official engagements. The officer must remain alert, disciplined and prepared throughout demanding schedules.
His visible presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan and during national events made him increasingly familiar to the public.
For many people, however, his appearances offered only a glimpse into a much larger military career.
Why did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal take premature retirement?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Sambyal’s recent exit from the Army is why he decided to leave military service after years of experience.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal took premature retirement from the Indian Army due to personal and family reasons, according to his own explanation after leaving the service. He has not disclosed the specific circumstances behind the decision.
Sambyal said that wearing the Army uniform had been his childhood dream and that he had never imagined taking it off early. He explained that certain situations in life can force a person to make difficult decisions. He said: “In everyone’s life there are situations and instances which change your life forever”.
He said his decision was based on personal and family reasons and that he had his family’s support. Sambyal also said he was happy with what he had achieved during his military career.
