List of Presidents of India (1950 – 2025)

The President of India is the constitutional head of the Indian State and is described as the First Citizen of the country. The office of the President represents the dignity, unity, and continuity of the Indian Republic. Although executive powers formally vest in the President, the constitutional scheme places real executive authority with the Council of Ministers led by the Prime Minister. The President functions primarily as a constitutional guardian and symbol of national sovereignty.

Article 52 of the Constitution of India provides that there shall be a President of India, while Article 53 vests the executive power of the Union in the President, to be exercised in accordance with the Constitution. 

With the adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949 and its commencement on 26 January 1950, India became a Republic, and the office of the President formally came into existence. Since then, India has had fifteen Presidents between 1950 and 2025, along with several Acting Presidents during periods of vacancy.

This article presents a detailed and chronological account of the Presidents of India from 1950 to 2025, along with their constitutional significance and historical contributions.

Constitutional Position of the President of India

The provisions relating to the President of India are contained in Part V of the Constitution, under Articles 52 to 62. The President is an integral part of the Union Executive and also a component of the Parliament of India under Article 79. Every Bill passed by Parliament requires presidential assent to become law.

The President holds office for a term of five years from the date of entering office and is eligible for re-election. The Constitution allows the President to resign by addressing a letter to the Vice-President and also provides for removal through impeachment under Article 61 for violation of the Constitution.

The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The system of election follows proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.

List of Presidents of India

Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962)

Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and remains the longest-serving holder of the office. He assumed office on 26 January 1950 and served two full terms until 13 May 1962. He also holds the distinction of being the only President to have been re-elected.

Before becoming President, he was the President of the Constituent Assembly and had played a significant role in the Indian freedom movement. His tenure was marked by the establishment of constitutional conventions and the shaping of the President’s role in a parliamentary system. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1962.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962–1967)

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served as the second President of India from 13 May 1962 to 13 May 1967. A renowned philosopher and scholar, he was earlier the Vice-President of India.

His birthday, 5 September, is celebrated as Teachers’ Day across India, reflecting his contribution to education. His presidency coincided with a period of political transition and consolidation. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954 for his academic and public service achievements.

Dr. Zakir Husain (1967–1969)

Dr. Zakir Husain was the third President of India and the first Muslim to hold the office. He assumed office on 13 May 1967. His presidency was brief, as he passed away in office on 3 May 1969, becoming the first President of India to die during his term.

Following his death, the Vice-President, V. V. Giri, assumed office as Acting President. Later, the Chief Justice of India, Mohammad Hidayatullah, also served as Acting President until a newly elected President took office.

V. V. Giri (1969–1974)

V. V. Giri holds a unique position in Indian constitutional history. He first served as Acting President in 1969 and was later elected as the fourth President of India, serving a full term from 24 August 1969 to 24 August 1974.

He was the only President to be elected as an independent candidate, following a closely contested election. His presidency occurred during a period of major political and economic changes. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1975.

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974–1977)

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed became the fifth President of India on 24 August 1974. His tenure is particularly notable for the declaration of the National Emergency in 1975.

He passed away in office on 11 February 1977, becoming the second President to die during his term. Following his death, B. D. Jatti served as Acting President until the election of the next President.

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977–1982)

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy served as the sixth President of India from 25 July 1977 to 25 July 1982. He was the first President elected unopposed.

He had earlier served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. During his tenure, constitutional propriety and restraint were emphasised, reinforcing the ceremonial and neutral character of the office.

Giani Zail Singh (1982–1987)

Giani Zail Singh held office as the seventh President of India from 25 July 1982 to 25 July 1987. Before assuming the presidency, he served as Chief Minister of Punjab and as a Union Minister.

His tenure witnessed major national events, including Operation Blue Star, the assassination of a sitting Prime Minister, and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He is also remembered for exercising the “pocket veto” by withholding assent to the Indian Post Office Bill.

R. Venkataraman (1987–1992)

R. Venkataraman served as the eighth President of India from 25 July 1987 to 25 July 1992. He had earlier served as Vice-President and as Defence Minister of India.

A freedom fighter and statesman, he received several national and international honours, including the Tamra Patra for contributions to the freedom movement. His tenure maintained stability during a period of political uncertainty.

Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992–1997)

Shankar Dayal Sharma became the ninth President of India and served from 25 July 1992 to 25 July 1997. He had earlier served as Vice-President, Chief Minister, and Union Minister.

With a background in law, he contributed to strengthening constitutional values and federal harmony. He was widely respected across political lines.

K. R. Narayanan (1997–2002)

K. R. Narayanan was the tenth President of India. He was the first person from the Scheduled Castes to hold the office and also the first Malayali to become President.

His tenure was marked by an emphasis on constitutional morality. He was the first President to vote in a general election while in office and to address a State Legislative Assembly, setting important democratic precedents.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007)

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam served as the eleventh President of India and is widely known as the “Missile Man of India”. He was the first scientist to become President and was elected with an overwhelming majority.

His presidency focused on youth, education, and national development. He played a pivotal role in India’s missile and nuclear programmes and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1997.

Pratibha Patil (2007–2012)

Pratibha Patil became the twelfth President of India and the first woman to hold the office. She served from 25 July 2007 to 25 July 2012.

Before becoming President, she served as Governor and as a Member of Parliament and State Legislature. Her presidency symbolised increasing representation of women in high constitutional offices.

Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017)

Pranab Mukherjee was the thirteenth President of India. His long political career included service as Finance Minister, Defence Minister, and External Affairs Minister.

He was known for his deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and constitutional practices. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2008 and passed away in 2020.

Ram Nath Kovind (2017–2022)

Ram Nath Kovind served as the fourteenth President of India from 25 July 2017 to 25 July 2022. He is a lawyer by training and had earlier served as the Governor of Bihar.

His term was marked by emphasis on constitutional values, social justice, and inclusivity. He received appreciation for maintaining institutional dignity and neutrality.

Droupadi Murmu (2022–2025)

Droupadi Murmu assumed office as the fifteenth President of India on 25 July 2022. She is the first person from a tribal community to hold the office and the second woman President of India.

Her elevation is considered a significant milestone in the constitutional history of India, reflecting inclusiveness and representation. She had earlier served as Governor and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Acting Presidents of India

On several occasions, Acting Presidents have discharged presidential functions when a vacancy arose due to death or resignation. These Acting Presidents include V. V. Giri, Mohammad Hidayatullah, and B. D. Jatti. Their tenure ensured continuity of constitutional governance during transitional periods.

Conclusion

From 1950 to 2025, the office of the President of India has evolved within the framework of a parliamentary democracy. While largely ceremonial, the role remains vital in preserving constitutional balance, democratic values, and institutional stability. Each President has contributed uniquely to shaping the moral and constitutional authority of the Republic. The list of Presidents of India reflects not only political history but also the gradual deepening of constitutional culture in independent India.