Anil Chauhan is an Indian Army officer and four‑star general. In 2022, he became India’s second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) after General Bipin Rawat. His long military service and strong leadership made him one of the most respected officers in the Armed Forces
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Bio
Real Name: Anil Chauhan
Popular Name: General Anil Chauhan
Nickname: Anil Chauhan
Profession: Army Officer, Chief of Defence Staff
Famous For: Serving as India’s second Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Height
in centimeters – 170 cm
in meters – 1.70 m
in feet inches – 5′ 7″
Weight
in kilograms – Approx. 65 kg
in pounds – Approx. 143 lbs
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Salt and Pepper
Personal Life
Date of Birth: 18 May 1961
Age (as of 2026): 65 Years
Birthplace: Gawana Village, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
School: Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata
College: National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla; Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
Educational Qualification: Military Graduate and Strategic Defence Studies
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Rajput
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies: Golf, Reading History, Collecting Masks, Studying Art
Family
Father: – Surendra Singh Chauhan (retired Indian Army personnel)
Mother: Name not publicly known
Siblings:
• Sister – Jayanti
Wife
Wife: Anupama Chauhan (Artist)
Children:
• Daughter – Pragya Chauhan
Relationships and More
Marital Status: Married
Affairs or Girlfriend: Anupama Chauhan
Controversies: Anil Chauhan generally stayed away from controversies throughout his military career. However, he frequently appeared in news discussions regarding India’s defence strategies, Operation Sindoor, and military modernization during his tenure as CDS.
Career
Anil Chauhan joined the Indian Army in 1981 after graduating from the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles regiment, the same regiment associated with late CDS General Bipin Rawat. During his long military career, he held several command, operational, and strategic positions across India.
He gained extensive experience in counter-insurgency and military operations in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast India. Over the years, he commanded important formations including the 19 Infantry Division, III Corps, and Eastern Command of the Indian Army. His leadership in strategic defence planning and operational preparedness earned him recognition within military circles.
In September 2022, the Government of India appointed him as the second Chief of Defence Staff after recalling him from retirement. His appointment became historic because he became the first retired three-star officer to return and assume the CDS role. As CDS, he focused on military integration, modernization, theatre command reforms, and strengthening coordination between India’s armed forces.
Apart from military service, Anil Chauhan is also known as a strategic thinker and author. He wrote books related to military operations and defence studies. His interest in art, history, and mask collection also gained media attention over the years.
Career Highlights
• Joined Indian Army in 1981
• Commissioned into 11 Gorkha Rifles
• Served in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast operations
• Commanded Eastern Command of Indian Army
• Appointed India’s second Chief of Defence Staff in 2022
• Became first retired officer to return as CDS
• Worked on military modernization and theatre command reforms
• Served as military advisor to National Security Council Secretariat
Notable Work
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Eastern Command Leadership
III Corps Command
Military Strategic Planning
National Security Advisory Work
Defence Modernization Projects
Awards and Achievements
• Awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
• Awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM)
• Awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Awarded Sena Medal (SM)
• Awarded Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
• Became India’s second Chief of Defence Staff
• Recognized for strategic military leadership
Favorites
Military Leader: Sam Manekshaw
Food: Indian Cuisine
Color: White
Travel Destination: Uttarakhand Hills
Interest: Tibetan Art and History
Money Factor
Net Worth (approx.): ₹5–8 Crore
Income Source: Government Salary, Pension, Defence Service Benefits
Read Also: Maya Rohit Shetty / Suresh Wadkar / Simple Kaul
FAQs:
Q1. Who is Anil Chauhan?
He is an Indian Army General and the Chief of Defence Staff of India.
Q2. When was Anil Chauhan born?
He was born on 18 May 1961.
Q3. Which regiment does Anil Chauhan belong to?
He belongs to the 11 Gorkha Rifles regiment.
Q4. Who is Anil Chauhan’s wife?
His wife is Anupama Chauhan.
Q5. When was Anil Chauhan appointed as CDS?
He became Chief of Defence Staff in September 2022.
Q6. What is the net worth of Anil Chauhan?
His estimated net worth is around ₹5–8 Crore.
