General Bipin Rawat PVSM UYSM AVSM YSM SM VSM ADC was an Indian military officer and the inaugural Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces.
General Rawat, who held the ranks of PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, VSM, and ADC, previously served as the General Officer Commanding of the 19 Infantry Division and led the Division in 2012.
On December 8, 2021, General Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat, and 11 others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
Born on March 16, 1958, Rawat received his education at Cambrian Hall school in Dehradun and later attended St. Edward's School in Shimla.
Subsequently, Rawat enrolled at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and then at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He graduated as the top-ranking cadet in his class and was honored with the prestigious 'Sword of Honour.'
General Rawat hailed from a military family with a long-standing tradition of service in the Indian armed forces, spanning multiple generations.
Bipin Rawat completed his education at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington and also attended the Higher Command Course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College (USACGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, located in the Midwestern region of the United States.
Bipin Rawat earned an MPhil degree in Defence Studies and completed diplomas in Management and Computer Studies from the University of Madras.
Rawat joined the army as a second lieutenant in 1978.