New Delhi, May 12, 2026 — In a rare demonstration of lifelong learning and dedication, Lieutenant General (retd.) N.S. Raja Subramani, who has been appointed as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), is continuing his doctoral studies even as he prepares to assume one of the country’s most critical military positions.
Lt Gen Raja Subramani will take over as CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, around May 30–31, 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan. The appointment, announced on May 9, 2026, also saw Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan named as the new Chief of the Naval Staff.
Soldier-Scholar Pursues PhD
Lt Gen Raja Subramani enrolled in a part-time PhD programme in 2023 at Andhra University’s Trans-Disciplinary Research Hub (TDR Hub) in Visakhapatnam. He is researching in the Department of Commerce and Management Studies under the guidance of Professor Jaladi Ravi. University officials have praised his sincere and inquisitive approach to academic research despite the immense demands of his professional responsibilities.
This pursuit aligns perfectly with his reputation as a “soldier-scholar.” He already holds a Master of Arts degree from King’s College London (University of London) and an MPhil in Defence Studies from Madras University.
Distinguished Military Career
Born on July 21, 1965, Raja Subramani was commissioned into the 8 Garhwal Rifles on December 14, 1985. A graduate of the 67th course of the National Defence Academy and the 77th course of the Indian Military Academy, he has had an illustrious career spanning over four decades.
His key command appointments include:
- Commanding 16 Garhwal Rifles during counter-insurgency operations in Assam under Operation Rhino
- Leading 168 Infantry Brigade in Jammu & Kashmir
- Heading 17 Mountain Division in the Central Sector
- Commanding II Corps, India’s strike corps on the Western Front
- Serving as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command
He has also held important staff roles, including Chief of Staff in Northern Command, and served as Defence Attaché in Kazakhstan. With rich operational experience on both the Pakistan and China borders as well as in counter-insurgency, he brings deep domain expertise to the CDS role.
Prior to this appointment, Lt Gen Raja Subramani served as Vice Chief of Army Staff (2024–2025) and, after retirement in July 2025, as Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat from September 2025. He will be promoted to the rank of General upon assuming the CDS post.
Focus on Tri-Service Integration
As the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen Raja Subramani is expected to drive forward critical reforms, including greater tri-service integration, theaterisation of commands, and enhanced jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. His blend of extensive field experience and academic inclination positions him uniquely to lead these structural changes in India’s higher defence organisation.
The appointment underscores the Indian armed forces’ emphasis on intellectual leadership alongside operational excellence. Lt Gen Raja Subramani’s commitment to completing his PhD while shouldering the responsibilities of the country’s top military advisor reflects a powerful message: that learning and leadership can — and should — go hand in hand.
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