The Government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, the present Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30 June 2026. The incumbent Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, retires on the same day. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has gained wide experience in operational, strategic, capability development and institutional spheres, contributing significantly to the Indian Army's war-fighting capability and long-term transformation. He has commanded at every level across diverse operations. His command assignments include an armoured regiment in the desert sector, an armoured brigade on the western front and a counter-terrorism force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army's premier strike formations, and served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. On elevation to Army Commander, he commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, earning the distinction of heading two operational army commands and providing strategic oversight on vital fronts for over two and a half years. He has served in key staff and strategic appointments influencing operational planning, force management and capability development at Army Headquarters. A graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, he also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Chief of the Army Staff
The Government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the present Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff from the afternoon of 30 June 2026, when General Upendra Dwivedi retires.
Key facts
- Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, current Vice Chief of the Army Staff, appointed next Chief of the Army Staff from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
- Incumbent Chief General Upendra Dwivedi retires on the same day, 30 June 2026.
- An alumnus of NDA Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
- Commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, a premier strike formation, and served as GOC Delhi Area.
- On elevation to Army Commander, he headed both the South Western Command and the Southern Command.
- Graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College; attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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With reference to the appointment of the next Chief of the Army Staff (June 2026), consider the following statements:\n1. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was the Vice Chief of the Army Staff at the time of his appointment.\n2. He will take charge from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.\nWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?
Both statements are correct. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was the present Vice Chief of the Army Staff when he was appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff, with effect from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
Source: Press Information Bureau
Frequently asked questions
Who has been appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff?
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the present Vice Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff.
From when will the new Army Chief take charge?
He will take charge from the afternoon of 30 June 2026, when General Upendra Dwivedi retires.
Into which corps was Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth commissioned?
He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Which two operational army commands did he head as Army Commander?
He commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command.
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