Vice Admiral AN Pramod, AVSM, YSM assumed charge as the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) on 1 August 2026. He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who retired on 31 July 2026 after more than 38 years of distinguished service.
Vice Admiral Pramod was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 July 1990 and has served for more than 36 years in various command, operational, instructional and staff positions.
Key Points
- New Deputy Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral AN Pramod
- Assumed charge: 1 August 2026
- Commissioned into Indian Navy: 1 July 1990
- Experience: More than 36 years of service
- He is a CAT ‘A’ Sea King Air Operations Officer and a Communication and Electronic Warfare Specialist.
- He is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Naval Higher Command Course, Naval War College, Goa.
- He has commanded several important naval ships, including INS Abhay, INS Shardul and INS Satpura.
- He participated in Operation Vijay (1999) and Operation Parakram (2001).
- He served as Director General Naval Operations (DGNO) from 13 December 2023 to 31 July 2026.
- As DGNO, he was involved in planning and operational readiness during Operation Sindoor and maritime security operations during the West Asia crisis.
- He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in 2024 and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in 2025.
- He succeeds Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, who superannuated on 31 July 2026.
Exam Point
Vice Admiral AN Pramod is the new Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS), effective 1 August 2026.
