List of Vice-Presidents of India (1952- 2025)

The Vice-President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the Republic, ranking immediately after the President. This office has played a significant role in India’s constitutional functioning by ensuring continuity in governance, stability in Parliament, and smooth operation of the Rajya Sabha. Since the inception of the Constitution, the office has been occupied by distinguished jurists, philosophers, administrators, and political leaders who have shaped India’s parliamentary traditions.

This article presents a detailed legal and constitutional account of the Vice-President of India, followed by a comprehensive and updated list of all Vice-Presidents from 1952 to 2025.

Constitutional Position of the Vice-President of India

Article 63 of the Constitution of India mandates that there shall be a Vice-President of India. The office exists to support the President and to safeguard constitutional continuity in times of uncertainty. The Vice-President is not a subordinate authority but an independent constitutional functionary with defined duties and responsibilities.

Although the Vice-President does not exercise executive powers on a day-to-day basis, the importance of the office lies in its role during constitutional contingencies and parliamentary functioning.

Complete List of Vice-Presidents of India (1952–2025)

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952–1962)

The first Vice-President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan served two consecutive terms. A philosopher and educationist, he set high standards for parliamentary conduct and later became President. His tenure laid the foundation for the dignity and neutrality associated with the office.

Zakir Husain (1962–1967)

Serving a full five-year term, Zakir Husain later became President of India. His tenure was marked by intellectual depth and commitment to constitutional morality.

V. V. Giri (1967–1969)

V. V. Giri resigned from the Vice-Presidency to contest the Presidential election. His resignation marked an important constitutional moment, as he subsequently became President.

Gopal Swarup Pathak (1969–1974)

A former Chief Justice of India, Pathak brought judicial discipline to the Vice-Presidency. His tenure strengthened the institutional balance between the judiciary and the legislature.

B. D. Jatti (1974–1979)

Jatti served during a politically sensitive period and also acted as President following the death of the sitting President. His role demonstrated the stabilising function of the Vice-President’s office.

Mohammad Hidayatullah (1979–1984)

A former Chief Justice of India, Hidayatullah’s tenure reflected legal scholarship and constitutional integrity. He served a full term and enhanced parliamentary decorum.

Ramaswamy Venkataraman (1984–1987)

Venkataraman resigned mid-term after being elected President. His short tenure as Vice-President remains constitutionally significant due to his transition to the highest office.

Shankar Dayal Sharma (1987–1992)

Sharma served calmly during a politically dynamic phase and later became President. He ensured procedural fairness in Rajya Sabha proceedings.

K. R. Narayanan (1992–1997)

Narayanan’s tenure stood out for its emphasis on constitutional values. He later became President, emphasising social justice and democratic accountability.

Krishan Kant (1997–2002)

Krishan Kant holds a unique place as the only Vice-President to pass away while in office. His tenure contributed to parliamentary stability during coalition politics.

Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2002–2007)

A senior statesman, Shekhawat’s term reflected bipartisan leadership and administrative experience developed over decades.

Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007–2017)

Serving two consecutive terms, Ansari holds the distinction of being one of the longest-serving Vice-Presidents. His tenure was marked by strong legislative stewardship and minority rights discourse.

Venkaiah Naidu (2017–2022)

Naidu brought decades of parliamentary experience and became the first Vice-President born after Independence. His focus remained on debate quality and House productivity.

Jagdeep Dhankhar (2022–2025)

Dhankhar resigned mid-term due to health reasons. His tenure witnessed active interventions in legislative procedure and constitutional interpretation.

C. P. Radhakrishnan (2025–Present)

Elected in September 2025, Radhakrishnan became the fifteenth Vice-President of India. His election followed a closely observed parliamentary contest and marked the continuation of constitutional stability.

Conclusion

The office of the Vice-President of India represents constitutional balance, parliamentary discipline, and continuity of governance. From scholars and judges to seasoned politicians, each Vice-President has contributed uniquely to India’s democratic journey. Understanding the list of Vice-Presidents is not merely a study of names and tenures, but an insight into India’s evolving constitutional traditions and democratic resilience.