General NS Raja Subramani takes charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff
On 31 May 2026 General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.
Summary
General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, on 31 May 2026. Commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985, he has served as GOC 2 Corps, GOC-in-C Central Command and Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Just before becoming CDS he was Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat. He said he would focus on jointness, integration and induction of indigenous weapons.
Key facts
- Post
- 3rd Chief of Defence Staff & Secretary, Department of Military Affairs
- Took charge
- 31 May 2026
- Commissioned
- Garhwal Rifles, December 1985
- Earlier posts
- GOC 2 Corps; GOC-in-C Central Command; Vice Chief of Army Staff
- Post before CDS
- Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat
Practice MCQs 4 questions
On 31 May 2026, who assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India?
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Correct answer: B — General NS Raja Subramani
General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as the third CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, on 31 May 2026.
General NS Raja Subramani, who became CDS in May 2026, was commissioned in December 1985 into which regiment?
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Correct answer: A — Garhwal Rifles
He was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.
Immediately before becoming CDS in May 2026, General NS Raja Subramani held which post?
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Correct answer: D — Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat
Prior to assuming the appointment of CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
Consider the following statements about the Chief of Defence Staff who took charge on 31 May 2026: 1. He also holds the post of Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. 2. He has served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
General NS Raja Subramani took charge as CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs; his earlier posts include GOC-in-C, Central Command.