Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Named Next Chief of the Army Staff
Why in the news
The government announced on 13 June that Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will lead the Indian Army from 30 June 2026. General Upendra Dwivedi retires on that date.
Key facts
- Appointment: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth becomes Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
- Predecessor: General Upendra Dwivedi, retiring on the same day.
- Arm of service: Armoured Corps, commissioned in December 1986; reportedly the first chief from this corps since 1997.
- Commands held: led two operational Army Commands, South Western and Southern, over about 2.5 years; also GOC Delhi Area.
- Decorations: PVSM, UYSM and AVSM.
About Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth
- Graduate of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.
- Commanded an armoured regiment in the desert sector, an armoured brigade on the western front and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.
- As a Lieutenant General he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps.
- Attended the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College and a Command and Staff Course in Paris.
- Known for work on force modernisation at Army Headquarters.
Exam angle
- The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces; the Army chief is appointed by the government.
- One report gives the COAS term as three years or until age 62, whichever comes first.
- Remember the three decorations in order of seniority: PVSM, UYSM, AVSM.
- The Indian Army was raised on 1 April 1895 (source: Testbook); the first Indian head of the Army was K.M. Cariappa.