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 glance
| Stage | Education or career milestone |
| School education | Sainik School Kapurthala, Punjab |
| NDA examination | Reportedly cleared UPSC NDA examination in 2013 |
| NDA training | Joined the 133rd NDA Course |
| Military academy | Indian Military Academy, Dehradun |
| Commission | Commissioned into the Indian Army in 2018 |
| Regimental service | Associated with the Jat Regiment |
| Republic Day 2021 | Led the Jat Regiment contingent |
| Later military career | Associated with 4 Para (Special Forces) |
| Presidential assignment | Served as ADC to President Droupadi Murmu |
| Current status | Former 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.
For students aspiring to join the armed forces, Sambyal’s journey highlights the structured pathway followed by many military officers: school education, preparation for the NDA examination, SSB selection, training at NDA, specialised military training at IMA and years of service in the Indian Army.His journey from Sainik School Kapurthala to NDA, IMA and eventually Rashtrapati Bhavan has made Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s career an example of how military education and years of professional training can lead to some of the country’s most prestigious assignments.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports about Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s education and professional journey. TOI Education has not independently verified personal details or confidential aspects of his military service record.
