India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who became widely known on social media as the “national crush”, has retired from the Indian Army at the age of 30 after completing 12 years of service. His decision has surprised many people, especially because he had held one of the Army’s most prestigious assignments as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal retired from the Indian Army at age 30 after 12 years, having served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu and commanding the Jat Regiment contingent. His departure, reportedly for personal reasons, followed Special Forces training.
His retirement has also renewed public interest in his military career, his role alongside the President and the reason behind his decision to leave the Army at a relatively young age.
From NDA to the Indian Army
Huge respect to Rishabh Singh Sambyal.
The sacrifice behind the uniform 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/jOZrKVNkCB— Aditya (@adityacasm_) September 12, 2026
The path that Sambyal chose as an army man was paved when he managed to crack the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance examination in 2013. Sambyal became part of the 133nd batch of NDA in 2014, and in the years that followed, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Affairs in 2017.
In the same year, he became part of Indian Military Academy, where he pursued military-related subjects like Military Studies and Defence Management. As an army man, Sambyal progressed in ranks to become a Major through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain.
Sambyal is from a Dogra Rajput Family hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. They hold the tradition of military.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, former ADC to President Murmu: “We’ve moved from a REACTIVE DEFENCE posture to a PROACTIVE one.”
“If you play with us, we will show you who you are and everyone in the country has seen what we have done in the past 10 years.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0Xgd9azYHr
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 11, 2026
A career marked by prestigious assignments
Sambyal held various challenging positions in his twelve years in the army. Among the highlights of his career included commanding the Jat Regiment contingent during the 2021 Republic Day Parade.
As it would turn out, the contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, which was yet another accolade to add to his military honors.
Among others, Sambyal held the position of 4 Para Special Forces. Being linked to this elite force was arguably one of the toughest periods in his military career.
Besides, Sambyal won the Balidaan Badge, an award meant for people who earn the privilege of serving in the special forces.
It is viewed as an indication of the high standards of training required of Para Special Forces soldiers.
Becoming President Droupadi Murmu’s ADC
One of the biggest milestones in Sambyal’s career came in March 2023, when he was selected as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu, according to details mentioned on his LinkedIn profile.
An ADC serves as a military officer attached to a senior constitutional or government authority. The position involves much more than ceremonial responsibilities. The officer can be involved in coordinating official engagements, communication and day-to-day requirements connected with the dignitary.
For Sambyal, the assignment meant working closely with the President of India and being present during several important official engagements.
What does a President’s ADC actually do?
Sambyal has previously spoken about his responsibilities as an ADC and explained that the job covers a wide range of requirements.
In a conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, he said his responsibilities involved handling the President’s official and unofficial requirements.
He gave an example of how communication could work when the President wanted to speak with the Prime Minister. According to Sambyal, the ADC would coordinate with the concerned officials, establish communication and ensure that the conversation could take place.
This illustrates why the role requires constant alertness, coordination and discretion.
How is the President’s security maintained?
Sambyal has also offered insights into the level of caution involved in protecting the President. Speaking about security protocols, he explained why members of the public are not casually allowed to touch the President’s feet or shake hands with her. His point was simple: security personnel cannot know the intentions of every individual who comes close to a protected person.
He also spoke about seemingly ordinary things that require attention, including the water served to the President. According to his explanation, even such basic details can become part of a security assessment because personnel cannot take chances with an unknown object or item.
Sambyal further described how the area around the President is kept highly secure during movements and public engagements, with strict restrictions on potentially dangerous objects and materials.
A personal bond with President Murmu
Beyond his official responsibilities, Sambyal has spoken about the personal impression President Murmu made on him.
Recalling his first meeting with her, he said that seeing the President felt to him as if “my mother was standing in front of me.”
The comment offered a more personal glimpse into the relationship between an ADC and the person he is assigned to assist. While the position comes with protocol and discipline, working closely with a senior constitutional authority can also create a strong sense of responsibility and personal respect.
Why did Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal retire?
Sambyal’s decision to leave the Army at 30 has naturally raised questions about what prompted the move.
A report by SSB Crack suggested that his premature retirement was linked to personal and family reasons, citing comments he made during an Instagram Live session.
Sambyal reportedly spoke about how certain situations and experiences in life can change a person’s direction. He also clarified that there were no immediate plans for marriage.
However, he has not publicly indicated that his retirement was connected to any controversy surrounding his military career. Based on the information available, his decision appears to have been a personal one.
Why his retirement has attracted so much attention
Sambyal’s retirement has received unusual attention because of the combination of his age, military background and public visibility.
He had completed a 12-year career that included the NDA, the Indian Military Academy, the Jat Regiment, 4 Para Special Forces and one of the country’s most prestigious ADC assignments.
His popularity on social media added another layer to the public interest. While many people first came to know him because of his appearance and online popularity, his military record shows a career built around demanding training, discipline and high-responsibility assignments.
At just 30, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has now closed one chapter of his life. His decision to retire may have surprised his followers, but his 12-year journey in the Indian Army has already given him a career marked by several significant milestones.
