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BS Raju Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth19 October 1963

Age58 Years

BirthplaceBaggavalli village, Ajjampura, Chikmagalur district, Karnataka, India

ProfessionArmy Personnel

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseShakuntala Raju

FamilyTwo children (son is a computer engineer; daughter is an engineer)

BS Raju Biography

Lieutenant General Baggavalli Somashekar Raju is a senior Indian Army officer who has held frontline commands in Kashmir, served as Director General of key

Early life and background

Baggavalli Somashekar Raju was born on 19 October 1963 in Baggavalli village, Ajjampura, in Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. He attended Sainik School, Bijapur, and went on to join the National Defence Academy in December 1980. Following three years at the NDA, he trained at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Jat Regiment in December 1984.

Raju pursued further professional military education during his career. His studies include courses at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom, and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He also completed an MPhil at DSSC and a master’s programme in counter-terrorism.

Career

Commissioned into the 11th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, Raju served in a variety of battalion appointments including company commander, adjutant and second-in-command. Early in his career he qualified as a helicopter pilot and served with the Army Aviation Corps, flying reconnaissance missions during United Nations operations in Somalia.

Raju’s progression through the ranks spans nearly four decades. He was promoted from Second Lieutenant on 15 December 1984 through successive ranks to Lieutenant-General on 14 November 2019. His appointments have included command of the 15th Battalion of the Jat Regiment, command of the Uri Brigade, and leadership roles in the White Knight Corps. He has also served as the Commandant of the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan, overseeing training for the Royal Bhutan Army and Royal Bodyguard.

As a Major General, Raju held staff roles such as Deputy Director-General of Military Operations and Director-General Staff Duties at Army Headquarters. He served as commander of Victor Force, the Indian Army’s Rashtriya Rifles counter-terrorism formation, from 2017 to 2018. From 1 March 2020 to 17 May 2021 he was the Corps Commander of the 15 Corps (Chinar Corps). His career also includes appointments as Director General Military Operations, Director General Staff Duties, and Colonel of the Jat Regiment.

In recognition of his service, Raju has been awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal and has received commendation cards.

Public profile

Raju has been posted to Kashmir repeatedly and is noted for adopting measures focused on restraint, rehabilitation and local engagement during his commands there. While leading formations in the Kashmir Valley he emphasized opportunities for militants to surrender, provisioning for rehabilitation of those who did, and outreach to youth and local communities. Initiatives credited to his tenure include a feedback and grievances helpline to connect locals directly with the corps commander, a programme called "A Day With The Company Commanders" to foster interaction between troops and civilians, Khairiyat Patrols to assist people in remote areas, and expanded sports, cultural and digital learning activities in Army Goodwill Schools.

During his time as Director-General of Military Operations, Raju participated in the period when India and Pakistan recommitted to observance of the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control. He also oversaw aspects of operational preparedness during the Sino-Indian standoff along the Line of Actual Control.

Personal life

Raju is married to Shakuntala Raju. The couple have two children: a son, who is a computer engineer and graduated from the National University of Singapore, and a daughter who is also an engineer. His parents are Somashekarappa Raju, a lecturer, and Vimala Raju.

Latest updates

On 1 May 2022 Raju assumed the post of Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He served in that capacity until 1 March 2023.

Throughout his career Raju has maintained ties to his native village, supporting meritorious students there with uniforms, shoes and other academic needs.
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Recent Work

Vice Chief of the Army Staff

Took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1 May 2022 and served until 1 March 2023.

2022-2023
Corps Commander, 15 Corps (Chinar Corps)

Served as Corps Commander of 15 Corps from 1 March 2020 to 17 May 2021, implementing local engagement and rehabilitation-focused tactics in Kashmir.

2020-2021
Commander, Victor Force (Rashtriya Rifles)

Led Victor Force, the Indian Army’s counter-terrorism formation, from 2017 to 2018.

2017-2018
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Career Highlights

  1. Commissioned into the Jat Regiment in December 1984
  2. Commanded 15th Battalion of the Jat Regiment and the Uri Brigade
  3. Commandant of the Indian Military Training Team, Bhutan
  4. Corps Commander of 15 Corps (Chinar Corps)
  5. Director General Military Operations
  6. 44th Vice Chief of the Army Staff
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was BS Raju born?

19 October 1963

What is BS Raju known for?

Army Personnel

What is BS Raju’s marital status?

Married

Who is BS Raju married to?

Shakuntala Raju