From the President’s Side to a New Chapter; President Murmu’s Former ADC Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal Takes Premature Retirement
New Delhi, September 1, 2026: For months, he was one of the most recognisable faces standing beside the President of India—not because he was seeking the spotlight, but because his uniform, composure and presence made him impossible to miss. Now, that familiar military presence is set to disappear from official ceremonies.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who served 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 distinguished military chapter—one that took him from the battlefield-oriented world of the armed forces to the ceremonial and constitutional corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Officer Behind the President
An ADC is rarely the headline. The role is to remain in the background while ensuring that every movement, ceremony and official engagement involving the President is carried out with precision. But Major Sambyal gradually became a familiar figure to the public.
Whether accompanying President Murmu at national ceremonies, official engagements or overseas visits, his presence was captured repeatedly in photographs and videos. His disciplined appearance and military bearing soon attracted attention far beyond the traditional world of defence.
The officer who was supposed to remain behind the spotlight unexpectedly became a face people began looking for in the frame.
A Soldier Before the Spotlight
Long before he became a familiar face at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Major Sambyal had built his career within the Indian Army. He served with the Jat Regiment and later with the elite 4 Para Special Forces.
In 2021, he led the Jat Regiment contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent subsequently won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, adding another notable chapter to his military career.
His journey to the President’s entourage, therefore, was not simply about ceremonial visibility. It was preceded by years of military training, discipline and service.
From Military Officer to Social Media Sensation
The internet, however, had a different way of looking at him. Images of Major Sambyal accompanying President Murmu began circulating widely on social media. His sharp military appearance, composed demeanour and frequent presence at high-profile events turned him into a recognisable personality. Media reports even began referring to him as a “national crush.”
It was an unusual transition for an Army officer—moving from the highly disciplined and largely private world of military service into unexpected public popularity. He never entered the Army to become famous. Fame simply found him along the way.
Why Did He Retire Early?
Major Sambyal has now opted for premature retirement after approximately 12 years of service.
The specific reason for his early retirement has not been publicly detailed in an official statement. Some media reports have cited personal and family considerations, but these should not be treated as an officially confirmed explanation unless formally stated by the authorities or Major Sambyal himself.
After completing his tenure, he also met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 21, 2026. The meeting offered a symbolic closing to a chapter that had taken him to one of the most prestigious assignments an Army officer can hold.
What Comes Next?
For now, Major Sambyal’s plans after retirement remain unclear. But his experience is anything but ordinary. A career spanning the Jat Regiment, Special Forces and the President’s ADC assignment has given him exposure to military leadership, discipline, protocol, strategic coordination and high-level official engagements. What he chooses to do next could therefore be closely watched.
The Uniform Comes Off, The Story Moves On
For many people, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal may be remembered as the sharply dressed officer standing beside President Murmu.
For the Army, however, his story is much larger than a photograph. It is the story of an officer who spent around 12 years in uniform, served in demanding military roles, represented his regiment at the Republic Day Parade and eventually became part of the President’s official entourage.
Now, the uniform has been left behind. The President’s ADC has stepped away from the Army. But for Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, this may not be the final chapter—it may simply be the beginning of a very different one.
