Overview
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will become the next Chief of Army Staff on 30 June 2026. He is currently the Vice Chief. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986. He has commanded two operational commands on the western front and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.
A New Leader for the Indian Army
On 13 June 2026, the Government of India announced a key appointment. Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will be the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) . He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff , a position he has held since 1 April 2026. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on 30 June 2026. Lt Gen Seth will assume office on the same day. His tenure will continue until 31 August 2028. This appointment brings an officer with nearly four decades of experience to the country’s highest military post.
Who is Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth?
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 . He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakwasla, Pune. The NDA is the premier tri-service training institution of the Indian Armed Forces. Over his long career, he has held many important operational, command, and strategic appointments. He has served in different terrains and conflict environments, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the mountains of Jammu and Kashmir.
Key Commands and Responsibilities
Lt Gen Seth has commanded two major operational commands on the western front :
-
South Western Command – headquartered in Jaipur, this command is responsible for desert warfare and countering threats from Pakistan.
-
Southern Command – headquartered in Pune, this command covers a large part of central and western India and handles a variety of operational roles.
He has also commanded an armoured regiment . Armoured regiments operate tanks and other fighting vehicles. Additionally, he led a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir . This is a very demanding assignment. Officers who serve in counter-insurgency operations face constant danger and must make quick, life-saving decisions.
Military Decorations
Lt Gen Seth has been awarded several high military honours. These include:
-
Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) – awarded for distinguished service of the highest order.
-
Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) – awarded for exceptional leadership in war or conflict.
-
Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – awarded for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
These medals reflect his dedication, bravery, and leadership over nearly four decades.
The Role of Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Army Staff is the professional head of the Indian Army. He holds the rank of a four-star general . He is one of the three service chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces (the others being the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff). The COAS works under the Ministry of Defence . He advises the government on all matters related to the army, including operations, strategy, and welfare of soldiers. The COAS also represents the Indian Army in international forums.
A Smooth Transition
General Upendra Dwivedi, the outgoing COAS, will retire on 30 June 2026 after a distinguished career. Lt Gen Seth, as Vice Chief, has already been working closely with him. This ensures a smooth transition. The army will not face any leadership vacuum.
A Human Touch: The Soldier’s Journey
Lt Gen Seth’s journey is an inspiration. He started as a young officer in the Armoured Corps, driving tanks in the desert. Over the years, he rose through the ranks. He faced many challenges. He lost colleagues in operations. He spent months away from family. But he never gave up. Now, he is about to become the head of a 1.2 million-strong army. Reflecting on his career, he once said, “Every day in uniform is a privilege. The soldier who stands at the border in freezing cold is the real hero. My job is to ensure he has everything he needs.” This humility and sense of duty will define his tenure as COAS.
Challenges Ahead
The new COAS will face several challenges:
-
Modernisation: The army needs new equipment, from rifles to drones. Induction must be accelerated.
-
Border Tensions: Both the western border (Pakistan) and northern border (China) remain volatile.
-
Counter-insurgency: Operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast must continue.
-
Manpower and Welfare: Recruitment and retention of soldiers, and their welfare, are ongoing concerns.
-
Jointness: Integrating the army with the navy and air force for joint operations.
Lt Gen Seth’s experience in both command and counter-insurgency will help him tackle these issues.
Exam-Focused Points
-
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth appointed as next Chief of Army Staff on 13 June 2026 .
-
Assumes office: 30 June 2026 (after retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi).
-
Tenure expected until: 31 August 2028 .
-
Previous position: Vice Chief of Army Staff (from 1 April 2026).
-
Commissioned: December 1986 into the Armoured Corps .
-
Graduated from: National Defence Academy (NDA) , Khadakwasla, Pune.
-
Operational commands held: South Western Command and Southern Command (on western front).
-
Also commanded: An armoured regiment and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir .
-
Decorations: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
-
Chief of Army Staff: Professional head of Indian Army, four-star rank, works under Ministry of Defence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When will Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth become the Chief of Army Staff?
A: He will assume office on 30 June 2026 .
Q2: Who is the outgoing Chief of Army Staff?
A: General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on 30 June 2026.
Q3: Which military decorations has Lt Gen Seth received?
A: He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) , Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) , and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) .
Q4: What is the role of the Chief of Army Staff?
A: The COAS is the professional head of the Indian Army. He advises the government on army matters and holds the rank of four-star general.
Q5: Where was Lt Gen Seth commissioned into the army?
A: He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA) .