Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal quits Army at 30, will not get pension

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, who became known on social media as the "national crush", has surprised many by taking sudden retirement from the Indian Army. At just 30, when his career was at a successful and impressive stage, he decided to hang up his uniform, a decision that has drawn widespread astonishment. Major Rishabh's journey went from the NDA to the highly prestigious Para Special Forces and then straight to Rashtrapati Bhavan, a trajectory that sounds like something out of a film.

There has been curiosity across the country over why Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal left the Army. Speaking on Raj Shamani's podcast, Major Rishabh addressed the speculation directly, saying that certain important turning points in his life led him to take this difficult decision. He served in the Indian Army for about 12 years, a period that included postings in Ladakh, several highly dangerous missions and the strict protocol of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal's 12-year career in the Army has been a distinguished one. After clearing the NDA examination in 2013, he began his training with the 133rd course in 2014. At the 2021 Republic Day parade, he led the Jat Regiment contingent, which won the trophy for "best marching contingent". He then joined the Indian Army's elite and highly lethal 4 Para Special Forces unit and was awarded the prestigious Balidan Badge.

In March 2023, he was selected for one of the country's most confidential and prestigious positions, Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President. During his three-year tenure at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he carefully handled the reception of dignitaries from India and abroad, coordination with the Prime Minister's Office, and the strict security protocol around the President's security. It was during this period that videos showing his simplicity and personality went viral on social media, after which he became the "national crush" overnight.

The question now is whether Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal will get a pension and other benefits. Under Indian Army rules, an officer is entitled to a full pension only after completing at least 20 years of service. When an officer takes premature retirement before 20 years, different rules apply.

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has completed 12 years of service. Under Army rules, he will be entitled under special provisions to retirement benefits, gratuity, the facilities given to ex-servicemen and medical benefits, but he will not get a pension.

There is also discussion over what Major Rishabh will do next after leaving the Army. Officers of his seniority who leave service typically get major opportunities in the corporate world, strategic security advisory work, youth empowerment and leadership. Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has himself indicated that he plans to work in the coming days on inspiring the country's youth and on a new journey of nation-building.