Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Chief of Army Staff

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff of India on 13 June 2026. He is scheduled to assume office on 30 June 2026 after the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi, and his tenure is expected to continue until 31 August 2028.

Chief of Army Staff

The Chief of Army Staff is the professional head of the Indian Army and one of the three service chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces. The office functions under the Ministry of Defence and is held by a four-star general.

Career Profile of Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 1 April 2026 before his appointment as COAS. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla.

Operational Commands and Decorations

Lt Gen Seth commanded two operational Army Commands on the western front, namely the South Western Command and the Southern Command. He also commanded an armoured regiment and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Chief of Army Staff is the senior-most serving officer in the Indian Army.
• The National Defence Academy is located at Khadakwasla in Maharashtra.
• The Armoured Corps is a combat arm of the Indian Army that operates tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles.
• The Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal are among India’s military honours.

Service Record

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has held operational, command, and strategic appointments across different terrains and conflict environments. His service record includes nearly four decades in the Indian Army.