Rishabh Singh Sambyal
Rishabh Singh Sambyal is a former officer of the Indian Army who served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. He came to public attention for leading the Jat Regiment contingent at the 2021 Republic Day Parade and later gained widespread social media popularity, often referred to as the “national crush”, during his tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He took premature retirement from the Army in August 2026 after approximately 12 years of service.[1][2]
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 31 March 1996 Samba district, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Allegiance |  India |
| Years of service | 2018–2026 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Jat Regiment 4 Para (Special Forces) |
| Awards | Balidaan Badge |
Early life and education
Sambyal hails from the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir and belongs to a Dogra Rajput family with a military tradition.
He studied at Sainik School Kapurthala in Punjab. He cleared the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination in 2013 and joined the 133rd NDA Course in 2014 at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Affairs in 2017. He then underwent pre-commission training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Lieutenant in 2018.[3]
Military career
Sambyal initially served with the Jat Regiment. In January 2021, as a Captain, he led the Jat Regiment contingent during the Republic Day Parade. The contingent was awarded the Best Marching Contingent Trophy.
He later volunteered for and served with the elite 4 Para (Special Forces) (also known as the “Daggers”) and earned the Balidaan Badge upon successful completion of Special Forces selection and training.
In March 2023, he was selected as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu. In this role he handled protocol, coordination, and accompanied the President during official programmes, ceremonies and engagements. His appearances alongside the President made him a recognisable public figure and led to significant attention on social media.[4]
Retirement
In late August 2026, Sambyal took premature retirement from the Indian Army after around 12 years of service, at the age of approximately 30. He described the decision as “the hardest decision of my life” and cited family commitments as the reason. He stated that he had deliberated for nearly four months before making the announcement public.[5]
After completing his tenure as ADC, he met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 21 August 2026 and publicly expressed gratitude for her guidance and blessings. Official records of the President’s Secretariat subsequently listed him as a former ADC and retired officer.
Sambyal has indicated that he intends to work on initiatives aimed at inspiring young minds and contributing to national development.
Personal life
Sambyal is unmarried. During his service as ADC he was required to remain unmarried as per the norms of the posting.[6]
References
- ↑ https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/who-is-major-rishabh-singh-sambyal-president-murmu-s-ex-adc-dubbed-the-national-crush-who-took-premature-retirement-11788080298362.html
- ↑ https://theprint.in/feature/national-crush-major-rishabh-singh-sambyal-retires-calls-it-hardest-decision-of-his-life/3030420/
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/from-sainik-school-to-rashtrapati-bhavan-major-rishabh-singh-sambyals-education-and-army-career-journey/articleshow/133646236.cms
- ↑ https://www.moneycontrol.com/city/who-is-major-rishabh-singh-sambyal-president-murmu-s-ex-adc-and-internet-s-national-crush-takes-premature-retirement-article-14019431.html
- ↑ https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/hardest-decision-of-my-life-national-crush-major-rishabh-sambyal-leaves-army-after-12-years-cites-family-commitments/
- ↑ https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/major-rishabh-sambyal-president-droupadi-murmu-former-adc-retires-from-army-after-12-years-101788241983764.html