Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal came into the news on August 30, 2026, when reports revealed that he took premature retirement from the Indian Army after 12 years of total service. People across India were surprised to read about his exit from military life. He was serving as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu. His smart presence, brave service, and charming personality made him famous nationwide, earning him the title of India's "national crush" on social media.
Early Life and Education
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal belongs to the Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir. This region is very famous for its rich martial history and traditional military background. He belongs to a respected Dogra Rajput family. Growing up in Jammu, he saw many soldiers around him. This gave him a deep love for the nation. He wanted to wear the Indian Army uniform from a very young age.
To achieve his big dream, Rishabh focused completely on his studies and physical training. He studied at Sainik School Kapurthala in Punjab. Sainik schools prepare young students for life in the armed forces. In 2013, he worked hard and cleared the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination. He also cleared the difficult Services Selection Board (SSB) interview successfully. In early 2014, he joined the 133rd NDA course in Khadakwasla, Pune.
At the NDA, he underwent three years of strict academic study and tough military exercises. He completed his graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Affairs in 2017. After passing out from the NDA, he moved to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. At the IMA, he received advanced training in military tactics, leadership, and weapons handling. He officially stepped into the Indian Army as a commissioned Lieutenant in 2018.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal Biography
| Detail / Attribute | Specifics / Overview |
| Full Name | Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1996 |
| Birthplace & Native Town | Samba District, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Community / Heritage | Dogra Rajput lineage |
| Schooling | Sainik School Kapurthala (Punjab) |
| Military Academies | • National Defence Academy (NDA, 133rd Course), Khadakwasla, Pune • Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun |
| Higher Education | B.A. in International Affairs (JNU/NDA) |
| Year of Commission | 2018 (as Lieutenant) |
| Army Regiments / Units | • Initial Unit: Jat Regiment • Special Forces: 4 Para (Special Forces) — "The Daggers" |
| Key Career Highlights | • 2021: Led the Jat Regiment contingent to win the Best Marching Contingent Trophy at the Republic Day Parade • 2021/2022: Completed Special Forces probation, earning the prestigious Balidaan Badge • 2023–2026: Served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu |
| Military Status | Took premature retirement in August 2026 after 12 years of service |
| Known Honors & Badges | Balidaan Badge, Presidential Service Badge, Army Chief Commendation |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Career in the Indian Army
After getting commissioned, Lieutenant Rishabh Singh Sambyal started his operational journey with the prestigious Jat Regiment. The Jat Regiment is one of the oldest infantry units in the Indian Army. Rishabh showed great leadership skills, strict discipline, and brave performance during his duty with this regiment.
He earned his first big national recognition during the 2021 Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Serving as a Captain at that time, he led the Jat Regiment marching contingent on Rajpath (now known as Kartavya Path). Under his dynamic leadership, his marching team won the prestigious Best Marching Contingent Trophy. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh presented this award to his team. This success showed everyone his excellent parade skills and strong command over his troops.
Special Forces Service And the Balidaan Badge
Winning awards on the parade ground was only the beginning for Rishabh. He wanted to face even bigger challenges. He decided to volunteer for the elite Para (Special Forces) unit. Special Forces selection is considered one of the hardest military tests in the entire world. Only a very small percentage of soldiers can clear this grueling probation period.
Rishabh passed the probation with flying colors. He was posted to the 4 Para (Special Forces), which is famously known as the "Daggers". As a Special Forces commando, he underwent dangerous commando tasks, extreme physical tests, and specialized combat training. He successfully earned the coveted "Balidaan Badge". Wearing the Balidaan Badge on the uniform is a huge honor that only a few elite commandos achieve. During his military career, he was also promoted to the rank of Major.
Role as ADC to President Droupadi Murmu
In March 2023, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal received a very prestigious official assignment. He was selected as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. The ADC is a trusted officer who assists the President during daily routines, official ceremonies, national events, and foreign tours.
As the President's ADC, Major Rishabh handled security arrangements, official protocol management, and event schedules. He coordinated with top government offices like the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), foreign dignitaries, and central ministries. He traveled with President Droupadi Murmu across India and accompanied her on official diplomatic visits to eight different countries.
Because of his continuous presence next to the President during televised national events, people across India started noticing him. Pictures and videos of him holding umbrellas, managing protocols, and standing with total discipline went viral on social media platforms. His sharp physical appearance, fitness, and respectful behavior made him an internet sensation. Millions of internet users affectionately called him the "national crush".
Premature Retirement from Service
In August 2026, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal took the decision to take premature retirement from the Indian Army after nearly 12 years of service. Before leaving his military uniform, he visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21, 2026, to meet President Droupadi Murmu one last time. He expressed his deep gratitude to the President for her blessings, advice, and guidance during his tenure.
Photos from this farewell meeting were posted online and gained millions of views. Major Sambyal clarified that his retirement decision was due to personal reasons. During an online interaction with fans, he answered questions about his life. He confirmed that he was not married and had no immediate plans for marriage. He also rejected rumors that he was moving to another country.
For his outstanding dedication, Major Rishabh received the Presidential Service Badge and Commendation Cards from both the Chief and Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He remains a true youth icon, an inspiring military professional, and a proud hero of the nation.