The former presidential ADC who became one of the most talked-about faces online
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has recently attracted widespread attention on social media, but his journey began long before he became an internet sensation.
A former Indian Army officer and Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, Sambyal served for around 12 years before taking premature retirement from the Army in 2026.
From Jammu to the Indian Army
Rishabh Singh Sambyal is from the Samba region of Jammu and Kashmir. From an early age, he was interested in joining the armed forces.
He went through military training at the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy before being commissioned into the Indian Army.
During his career, he served with the Jat Regiment and was also associated with 4 Para Special Forces, one of the Indian Army’s elite units.
His career included several demanding assignments, but his role as a presidential ADC eventually brought him into the public eye.
His role as President Murmu’s ADC
Sambyal served as an Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu for around three years.
The role of an ADC involves much more than accompanying the President at public events. It requires close attention to protocol, coordination during official engagements and being prepared to respond to the President’s requirements throughout the day.
Photographs and videos of Sambyal accompanying President Murmu at official events were frequently shared online.
Eventually, his appearance in these photographs began attracting considerable attention from social-media users.
How he became a social-media sensation
Videos and photographs from Rashtrapati Bhavan and other official events began circulating widely across social-media
His appearance in military uniform, his presence alongside the President and his role during important ceremonies made him a familiar face to many people who otherwise had little knowledge of presidential protocol.
Social-media users began referring to him as a “national crush.”
But the viral attention was only one part of his story. Behind those photographs was a demanding military career and years of service.
Life behind the uniform
In recent interviews, Sambyal has spoken about the realities of being a presidential ADC.
He has discussed the demanding schedule, the level of alertness required and the restrictions that came with the position.
According to his accounts, maintaining a normal personal and social life could be difficult because of the responsibilities associated with the role.
He has also spoken warmly about his time working with President Murmu and the relationship he developed with her during his tenure.
Why did Major Sambyal leave the Army?
In August 2026, Sambyal announced his premature retirement from the Indian Army after approximately 12 years of service.
He described the decision as one of the hardest decisions of his life.
He also indicated that family responsibilities played an important role in his decision to leave the Army.
His retirement came after a career that had taken him from
He described the decision as one of the hardest decisions of his life.
He also indicated that family responsibilities played an important role in his decision to leave the Army.
His retirement came after a career that had taken him from military service and Special Forces to one of the country’s most visible protocol assignments.
His next chapter
After leaving the Army, Sambyal has started exploring life outside the uniform and has become more active on social media.
He has spoken about wanting to contribute to society and inspire young people while beginning a new phase of his life.
His transition is particularly interesting because his public identity changed dramatically within a short period — from a relatively private Army officer to a widely recognised social-media personality.
The story behind the viral face
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal may have become famous because people repeatedly saw him standing beside the President.
But his story goes much deeper than the viral photographs.
It includes military training, service with the Jat Regiment, experience with 4 Para Special Forces, approximately three years as a presidential ADC and around 12 years in the Indian Army.
Now that he has stepped away from the uniform, Major Sambyal is entering an entirely different chapter.
From serving the country in uniform to becoming a familiar face on millions of screens — Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s journey has taken an unexpected turn.
