From Sainik School to Rashtrapati Bhavan: Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s education and Army career journey

Sambyal’s appearances alongside President Murmu drew widespread attention online.

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal retires from Army after serving as President Murmu’s ADC. (Photo: IG) Sambyal’s appearances alongside President Murmu drew widespread attention online.

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has become widely recognised for serving as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu, but his journey to Rashtrapati Bhavan began years earlier in the classrooms of a Sainik School and continued through two of India's most prominent military training institutions—the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA).The former Indian Army officer's education and career journey offers an insight into the demanding path followed by young aspirants who dream of joining the armed forces.

From preparing for the NDA examination to receiving his commission as an Army officer and later serving as ADC to the President of India, Sambyal's career has followed a remarkable military trajectory.School education and preparation for NDA According to publicly available profiles and reports, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal completed his schooling at Sainik School Kapurthala in Punjab, an institution designed to prepare students for careers in the armed forces and other leadership roles.After school, he prepared for the National Defence Academy entrance examination.

Reports state that he cleared the UPSC-conducted NDA examination in 2013 and subsequently went through the Services Selection Board (SSB) selection process.After clearing the selection stages, he joined the 133rd NDA Course.Three years at the National Defence Academy The National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune, is one of India's most prestigious military training institutions.

Cadets from the Army, Navy and Air Force undergo rigorous academic, physical and military training before moving to their respective service academies.Sambyal reportedly trained at NDA from 2014 to 2017.

The programme combines academics with physical training, leadership development, military instruction and outdoor activities.After completing his NDA training, he moved to the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, for further pre-commission military training.From IMA to the Indian Army Following his training at IMA, Sambyal was commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 as a Lieutenant.His subsequent military career included service with the Jat Regiment, where he gained leadership and operational experience.

In 2021, then Captain Sambyal reportedly led the Jat Regiment contingent during the Republic Day Parade.

The contingent won the Best Marching Contingent Trophy, marking an important public milestone in his Army career.He was later associated with 4 Para (Special Forces) before receiving another prestigious assignment—serving as an ADC to President Droupadi Murmu.The journey to Rashtrapati Bhavan Serving as an ADC to the President is among the most high-profile assignments available to serving military officers.

The role involves accompanying the President during official engagements, ceremonial events and important national occasions while following strict standards of protocol and discipline.Sambyal's presence alongside President Murmu during official events made him a familiar face to many people across the country.Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal: Education and career at a glanceStageEducation or career milestoneSchool educationSainik School Kapurthala, PunjabNDA examinationReportedly cleared UPSC NDA examination in 2013NDA trainingJoined the 133rd NDA CourseMilitary academyIndian Military Academy, DehradunCommissionCommissioned into the Indian Army in 2018Regimental serviceAssociated with the Jat RegimentRepublic Day 2021Led the Jat Regiment contingentLater military careerAssociated with 4 Para (Special Forces)Presidential assignmentServed as ADC to President Droupadi MurmuCurrent statusFormer Indian Army officer and former ADC to the President A journey built through military education Sambyal’s appearances alongside President Murmu drew widespread attention online.