Major Rishabh Sambyal (Retd.) went from serving as President Droupadi Murmu’s Aide-de-Camp to becoming a familiar face on social media. But life after the uniform has taken an unexpected turn, putting his career choices under the spotlight once again.
What prompted his move away from the Army? How did he build an online following, and what is behind his latest venture that has got people talking?
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Why Did Major Rishabh Sambyal Leave The Army?
Sambyal first attracted public attention in January 2021, when, as a Captain in the Jat Regiment, he led its contingent at the Republic Day Parade. The contingent went on to win the Best Marching Contingent Trophy.
He subsequently served with 4 Para Special Forces before becoming Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu in March 2023. His appearances alongside the President at official engagements brought him attention on social media, with photographs and videos of him at public events circulating online.
In late August 2026, after approximately 12 years of service, Sambyal took premature retirement from the Indian Army, citing family commitments. He described the decision as one of the hardest of his life.
From Social Media Fame To The Fashion World
During his time as ADC to President Droupadi Murmu, Sambyal became known on social media as the internet’s ‘‘national crush’’. Photographs and videos of him accompanying the President at official engagements circulated online, helping him build a following beyond his military career.
After leaving the Indian Army in August 2026, Sambyal continued sharing content and exploring opportunities outside the service. In September, he introduced paid Instagram subscriptions reportedly priced at Rs. 199 per month. The move drew criticism from some social media users over monetising a following that had partly grown through his military role.
Responding to the criticism, Sambyal said: “Some see a downgrade. A soldier sees another way to serve.”
His latest venture takes him into fashion. The official website of Indian streetwear label Bonkers Corner lists a collection titled Bonkers X Major Rishabh, featuring shirts, a hoodie and a jacket.
The collaboration brings Sambyal into the fashion and lifestyle space as he builds his career after the Army.
Can A Former Army Officer Take Up Brand Collaborations?
Leaving military service does not automatically prevent a former officer from pursuing a civilian career. However, the applicable rules and the nature of a particular arrangement matter.
A July 2018 statement by the Ministry of Defence, published by the Press Information Bureau, said officers of the rank of Colonel or equivalent and above who retire with pension, gratuity or other benefits must obtain prior government permission to accept commercial employment within one year of retirement.
The Defence Services Regulations also set out restrictions on commercial employment after retirement for officers who held the rank of Colonel or above immediately before retirement.
These provisions concern commercial employment, so they should not automatically be treated as a definitive ruling on every brand endorsement, social media subscription or independent collaboration.
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TL;DR | News At A Glance
Who Is Major Rishabh Sambyal(Retd.)?
Major Rishabh Sambyal is a former Indian Army officer who served as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu.
Why Did Major Rishabh Sambyal(Retd.) Leave The Indian Army?
Sambyal took premature retirement in August 2026 after around 12 years of service, citing family commitments.
Why Is Major Rishabh Sambyal(Retd.) Called The Internet’s National Crush?
His photographs and videos accompanying President Droupadi Murmu at official engagements circulated widely on social media, earning him the nickname “national crush”.
What Is Major Rishabh Sambyal(Retd.) Doing After Leaving The Army?
After retirement, Sambyal began exploring opportunities outside military service, including social media content and brand collaborations.
What Is Major Rishabh Sambyal’s(Retd.) Bonkers Corner Collaboration?
Bonkers Corner lists a collection titled Bonkers X Major Rishabh on its official website, featuring clothing such as shirts, a hoodie and a jacket.
Does Major Rishabh Sambyal(Retd.) Have Paid Instagram Subscriptions?
Reports in September 2026 said Sambyal introduced paid Instagram subscriptions priced at Rs. 199 per month.
Can Retired Indian Army Officers Work With Brands?
Yes, but certain restrictions apply to commercial employment after retirement. The rules depend on factors such as an officer’s rank at retirement and the nature of the work.
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