From President Droupadi Murmu’s ADC to a Social Media Sensation
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who became widely recognised after serving as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army after around 12 years of service. His departure marks the end of a military career that combined operational responsibilities with a highly visible constitutional assignment at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
For months, Sambyal had become a familiar face beside President Murmu during official ceremonies, public engagements and international visits. Although his primary responsibilities were associated with the demanding and discreet role of an ADC, photographs and videos from these appearances increasingly attracted attention online. His composed demeanour and military bearing eventually turned him into an unexpected social-media sensation, with users popularly referring to him as the internet’s “national crush.”
His retirement has consequently generated considerable interest, particularly because his transition comes after a prominent period serving alongside the President.
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A Career That Led to Rashtrapati Bhavan
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s military journey was built around formal training and professional service. Reports on his career state that he attended Sainik School Kapurthala before clearing the National Defence Academy pathway. He subsequently completed training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun before receiving his commission in the Indian Army.
His career included service with the Jat Regiment and later the 4 Para Special Forces. For Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, the association with the Para Special Forces placed him within one of the Army’s most demanding operational environments, requiring rigorous training and a high level of physical and mental preparedness.
One of the earlier moments that brought Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal public attention came in 2021, when he was associated with the Jat Regiment contingent that won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy at the Republic Day Parade. That appearance marked an early stage in the public recognition that would later grow substantially during his tenure as the President’s ADC.
Appointment as President Murmu’s ADC
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal was selected as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2023, according to reports about his professional career.
The ADC position carries significant responsibility. Officers in the role support the President during official programmes, ceremonies, engagements and visits while also dealing with the protocol and coordination requirements associated with the office.
For Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, the assignment meant being regularly present during some of the country’s most prominent public and diplomatic occasions.
His responsibilities reportedly extended beyond ceremonial appearances,
From Military Officer to Publicly Recognised Face
Sambyal’s story stands out because his public recognition developed alongside his military career rather than replacing it.
The Army officer remained focused on his official responsibilities even as images of him became increasingly popular online. His calm appearance during ceremonies and official engagements contributed to a public perception centred on discipline and professionalism.
Earlier reporting also noted his association with the 4 Para Special Forces, a formation known for demanding selection and training standards.
This combination of a Special Forces background and a high-profile constitutional assignment made his career particularly distinctive.
Why His Premature Retirement Has Drawn Attention
The announcement of Sambyal’s premature retirement has naturally led to questions about his decision.
The available reporting confirms that he has left the Army after around 12 years of service, but specific details about his personal reasons for taking premature retirement have not been officially established in the material available. Some reports have referred to personal reasons, but it would be inappropriate to present speculation as confirmed fact.
His departure is nevertheless significant because it marks a transition from a highly visible assignment at Rashtrapati Bhavan to life outside active Army service.
Reports indicate that he met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan after leaving the Army, further marking the end of his period as part of her official entourage.
A Military Career Remembered Beyond the Uniform
Sambyal’s career demonstrates how military service can bring officers into a wide variety of roles, from regiment-level responsibilities to assignments involving India’s highest constitutional office.
His journey reportedly began with military-oriented education and progressed through the NDA and IMA before commissioning into the Army. His subsequent service, association with the Jat Regiment and 4 Para Special Forces, and eventual appointment as the President’s ADC created a career spanning operational, ceremonial and protocol responsibilities.
The public attention he received was an unexpected element of that journey.
Unlike conventional public figures, Sambyal did not seek recognition through entertainment, politics or social-media content. His visibility came from official photographs and videos documenting his duties.
What Comes Next for Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal?
His retirement has naturally prompted curiosity about his next chapter.
At present, the available reports establish his departure from the Army but do not provide a confirmed account of a specific future career or professional undertaking. Any claims about his next move should therefore be treated cautiously until confirmed.
What is clear is that Sambyal leaves behind a distinctive professional record.
He served in the Indian Army for around 12 years, worked as an ADC to President Droupadi Murmu and became one of the most recognisable military officers on Indian social media during his tenure.
A Unique Chapter
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s premature retirement closes a notable chapter in a military career that attracted attention far beyond traditional defence circles.
From his early military training and service to his association with the Jat Regiment and 4 Para Special Forces, and later his appointment as President Murmu’s ADC, his career involved a range of demanding responsibilities. Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s professional journey reflected a combination of military discipline, operational experience and high-profile official responsibilities.
His unexpected popularity added another dimension to that journey. Repeated appearances alongside the President during major national events and official engagements transformed him from a largely unknown officer into a familiar face for millions of social-media users.
Now, after approximately 12 years in the Indian Army, Sambyal has moved into a new phase of life. For Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, this transition marks the end of an important period of military service and the beginning of a different professional chapter.
While his reasons for premature retirement remain a matter that should not be speculated upon without official confirmation, his military career and tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan have already left a distinctive impression.
For many who first encountered him through photographs and videos from presidential engagements, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal may be remembered as the officer who quietly became a social-media sensation while carrying out one of the most visible support roles within India’s highest constitutional office.
