Key Points
- Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth to become Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026
- Seth commanded two operational Army Commands over two and a half years
- Outgoing COAS General Upendra Dwivedi retires on 30 June 2026
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
The government announced the appointment on Saturday, with the incumbent Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi set to retire on the same day.
Lt Gen Seth brings nearly four decades of military experience to the top post. He holds the rare distinction of having commanded two operational Army Commands — South Western Command and Southern Command — over a period exceeding two and a half years.
This experience across critical operational theatres positions him to oversee the Indian Army’s ongoing modernisation and strategic transformation.
Career spanning command and strategic planning
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
His command assignments have spanned diverse operational environments, including an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir.
As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. He subsequently served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, before his elevation to Army Commander.
The incoming COAS has held key staff appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals at Army Headquarters.
These roles involved shaping the Army’s modernisation trajectory, capability roadmap and long-term force structuring initiatives, according to the government announcement.
Military education and decorations
Lt Gen Seth is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College. He has also attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris.
By the numbers
- 4 decades
- Lt Gen Seth's military career span
- 2.5 years
- Duration commanding two operational Army Commands
- December 1986
- When Lt Gen Seth was commissioned
His military decorations include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) — awards recognising distinguished service, operational command excellence and meritorious service respectively.
General Dwivedi, who assumed charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff in June 2024, completes his tenure on 30 June 2026. The transition will mark the continuation of the Army’s focus on force modernisation and capability development under new leadership.
Your Questions, Answered
Who is the next Chief of the Army Staff?
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He will assume charge on 30 June 2026.
When does Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth take charge as COAS?
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth will assume charge as Chief of the Army Staff from the afternoon of 30 June 2026, the same day the incumbent General Upendra Dwivedi retires.
What is Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth's military background?
Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986 and has commanded at every level including the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He holds the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands.
Who is the current Chief of the Army Staff?
General Upendra Dwivedi is the current Chief of the Army Staff. He will retire on 30 June 2026 after completing his tenure.
