Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, Former President's ADC, Takes Premature Retirement

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who gained widespread popularity as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army. The development was made public through Rashtrapati Bhavan's official digital photo library, which listed him as the retired former ADC.

Following his formal departure from the post, Sambyal met with the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 21 August 2026. Photographs from this meeting have since gone viral on social media. In an Instagram post, he described the visit as an opportunity to express gratitude for the President's guidance and blessings.

Sambyal's military journey began when he cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) exam in 2013 and joined the 133rd NDA course the following year. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations in 2017, before joining the Indian Military Academy for studies in Military Studies and Defence Management.

During his career, he led the Jat Regiment's contingent at the 2021 Republic Day Parade, winning the Best Marching Contingent Trophy. He also served with the elite 4 Para Special Forces, known as the "Daggers," and earned the Balidaan Badge, an honour achieved by only a small fraction of volunteers.

Hailing from a Dogra Rajput family in Jammu and Kashmir, Sambyal served the Army for 12 years across ranks from Lieutenant to Major. He was selected as President's ADC in March 2023, one of the most prestigious assignments in the armed forces.

His professional profile highlights experience in strategic leadership, risk and crisis management, and operational planning. It notes his work with the Prime Minister's Office, foreign dignitaries, and central ministries during diplomatic tours across eight countries. He was also recognised with the Presidential Service Badge and Commendation Cards from the Chief and Vice Chief of Army Staff.

Reports suggest the premature retirement was due to personal and family reasons. In an Instagram Live video, Sambyal said, "In everyone's life there are situations and instances which change your life forever," while clarifying there were no immediate marriage plans.