Story perspectives

Special Forces Training Includes 90-Day Sleepless Nights, Says Sambyal

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 4:52 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal (Retd.) retired as Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu after three years in the role.
Sambyal said Special Forces candidates undergo a 90-day cut-off training that includes sleepless nights.
He cited Operation Mahadev, the retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, as a major Special Forces action.
He warned President Murmu’s safety protocols forbid hand-shaking and require scrutiny of even a water glass.

History

Historical Context

After Indira Gandhi’s 1984 assassination, the Birbal Nath Committee recommended a dedicated unit; on 30 March 1985 the Special Protection Group was created with 819 posts under the Cabinet Secretariat. Led first by S. Subramanian, the SPG has since guarded every prime minister, and today retired Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal advises President Droupadi Murmu on security, echoing the original protocols.

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Story summary

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal (Retd.) retired as Aide-de-Camp to President Droupadi Murmu after three years in the role.
Sambyal said Special Forces candidates undergo a 90-day cut-off training that includes sleepless nights.
He cited Operation Mahadev, the retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, as a major Special Forces action.
He warned President Murmu’s safety protocols forbid hand-shaking and require scrutiny of even a water glass.

1 / 2