He became famous as President Droupadi Murmu’s ADC. Now, after leaving the Army, Major Rishabh Sambyal is charging followers Rs. 180 a month for exclusive Instagram content.
Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal became a familiar face to millions of Indians while serving as President Droupadi Murmu’s Aide-de-Camp.
Now, the former Army officer is back in the spotlight for a very different reason.
Sambyal has introduced a paid subscription on Instagram, with followers reportedly being charged Rs. 180 a month on Android and Rs. 199 on iPhone.
And the internet has questions.
Why is a former President’s ADC charging for Instagram content? What does the subscription offer? And how did an Army officer become one of the most recognisable military personalities on social media?
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Who is Major Rishabh Sambyal?
Sambyal served in the Indian Army for around 12 years before taking premature retirement in August 2026.
He became widely known after serving as an ADC to President Droupadi Murmu. His appearances alongside the President at official events made him increasingly recognisable online.
He also served with the Jat Regiment and volunteered for 4 Para Special Forces.
His military career, however, was only one part of the story.
Sambyal developed a significant social media following, where posts about his Army life, fitness and experiences attracted considerable attention.
He was even dubbed the Army’s “national crush” by sections of social media.
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Why is Major Sambyal trending now?
The latest attention is around his Instagram subscription.
According to reports, the subscription offers followers access to exclusive content, subscriber-only posts and reels, early access and opportunities to interact with Sambyal.
The reported price: Rs. 180 a month for Android users and Rs. 199 for iPhone users.
That has triggered a debate online.
Some users have questioned the decision to monetise a following that was built largely around his military career.
Others argue that Sambyal has retired from the Army and is now free to explore a new career and monetise his public profile.
Sambyal himself appeared to address the criticism, writing: “Some see a downgrade. A soldier sees another way to serve.”
How much could he make?
The numbers have also become part of the conversation.
Livemint reported that Sambyal had 1,569 Instagram subscribers when it checked his account.
At Rs. 180 per month, that would work out to around Rs. 2.8 lakh in monthly subscription collections before platform fees, taxes and other deductions.
At the Rs. 199 iPhone price, the figure would be slightly higher.
These are estimates based on the reported subscriber count, not confirmed earnings.
From Army officer to social media creator
Sambyal’s latest move highlights a broader shift in how public figures build careers after leaving traditional institutions.
His Army career gave him visibility. Social media turned that visibility into a following. And now, his Instagram account is becoming part of his post-Army career.
Whether followers are willing to pay for access is a different question.
But one thing is clear: Major Sambyal has found a new way to remain in the public eye.
