The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He will take over from General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30, 2026.
Early Career and Education
Lt Gen Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held a wide range of operational, strategic and leadership positions. His career began in the 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse).
Command and Staff Roles
Over the years, he commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir. He later commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army's major strike formations. Apart from field commands, Lt Gen Seth has also held several important staff and planning appointments.
The Government said his work in strategic planning and capability development played a key role in the Army's modernisation efforts and long-term force planning.
Academic Achievements
His academic record within the military is equally notable. He studied at the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He later attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the Army War College in Mhow and the National Defence College in New Delhi.
He was adjudged the best all-round student during his course at the Defence Services Staff College in 2006. He also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris and completed the International Defense Acquisition Management Course in the United States.
Leadership Roles Across the Army
Lt Gen Seth has consistently secured top positions in professional military courses. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, reflecting his focus on continuous learning throughout his career. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Army Staff in April 2026, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both the South Western Command and the Southern Command.
This made him one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands. He also served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, and commanded the XXI Corps, one of the Army's key strike formations.
Awards and Decorations
Lt Gen Seth has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his service.
