For months, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal was a familiar face beside President Droupadi Murmu at official ceremonies, public engagements and overseas visits. His military bearing, quiet presence and the occasional glimpse of his work alongside the President turned the otherwise low-profile Army officer into an unlikely social media sensation.Now, the officer who was once widely described online as the internet’s “national crush” has moved on from the Indian Army. Sambyal, a former Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Murmu, has taken premature retirement after around 12 years of military service.
Sambyal served as President Murmu’s Aide-de-Camp before taking premature retirement.
The former ADC met President Murmu after formally leaving his post and expressed gratitude for her guidance and blessings.“Honoured to call on the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The blessings and teachings of the Hon’ble President have helped me grow as an individual in life. Also, it was wonderful to meet the family once again. Jai Hind,” he wrote in an Instagram post, alongside pictures with President Droupadi Murmu.But behind the viral photographs is a military career that began long before Sambyal became recognisable to social-media users.
From NDA to the Indian Army
According to Sambyal’s publicly available LinkedIn profile, he joined the National Defence Academy after clearing the NDA examination in 2013 and was part of the 133rd NDA course beginning in 2014. His profile also lists his education at the Indian Military Academy, where he studied military studies and defence management.His early military career included an appearance on one of India’s most watched ceremonial stages- the Republic Day Parade.In 2021, then-Captain Sambyal led the Jat Regiment contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent went on to win the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, a distinction that brought him professional recognition well before his later association with Rashtrapati Bhavan.He subsequently served with the elite 4 Para Special Forces, popularly associated with the “Daggers”. Reports have also stated that he earned the Balidaan Badge during his Special Forces service.
The prestigious President’s ADC role
Sambyal served with the Indian Army’s 4 Para Special Forces.
Sambyal’s career took a particularly high-profile turn when he was selected for the President’s ADC assignment.An Aide-de-Camp accompanying the President is far more than a ceremonial figure standing alongside the head of state. The appointment places an officer in close proximity to the President during official engagements and requires attention to protocol, coordination and the demands of a packed schedule.Sambyal’s public professional profile describes his experience as involving protocol management, executive security, itinerary coordination and work with senior government officials and foreign dignitaries. It also states that he worked on official diplomatic engagements involving visits to several countries. He was selected as a President’s ADC in March 2023, according to the professional information cited in reports about his career.
How did Major Sambyal become an internet sensation?
The attention around Sambyal was unusual for an Army officer. His appearances alongside President Murmu, particularly during major national events and public engagements, began attracting considerable attention on social media. Users focused on his composed demeanour, formal military appearance and the unobtrusive way he carried out his responsibilities.Earlier in 2026, his photographs from Republic Day-related events again circulated widely. Hindustan Times and Moneycontrol both reported on the attention surrounding the officer, with coverage highlighting how his military bearing and presence had made him a social-media favourite.The nickname “national crush” subsequently became associated with him online. It is worth noting, however, that this is a social-media label, rather than an official designation.Some of the moments that attracted attention were not dramatic military displays at all. Images and videos showing Sambyal carrying out routine duties around the President- including assisting her during public engagements- were widely shared and helped turn an otherwise largely behind-the-scenes appointment into a recognisable public persona.
Why did he take premature retirement?
Sambyal’s appearances alongside President Murmu drew widespread attention online.
There has been no detailed public explanation from the Ministry of Defence setting out the circumstances of his premature retirement. Therefore, claims about a specific reason for his departure should be treated cautiously.An SSB Crack report suggested that he took premature retirement due to personal and family reasons, citing an Instagram Live video. “In everyone’s life there are situations and instances which change your life forever,” he said while revealing that there were no immediate marriage plans.What is clearer is that Sambyal has closed a significant chapter of his military career after about 12 years of service.Sambyal’s public professional profile now describes him as a military professional with 12 years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, risk management and operational coordination. What his next move will be remains unclear.