The Complete List of President of India: A Journey Through Time

India, the world’s largest democracy, has witnessed inspiring leadership from its Presidents of India list, each contributing uniquely to the nation. The President of India plays a largely ceremonial but crucial constitutional role. From Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first president, to Droupadi Murmu, the current President of India, these leaders have upheld democratic values and national unity.

This article explores the President of India list from 1947 to 2024, focusing on their legacies, roles, contributions, and the journey of India’s democratic evolution.

President of India

The President of India is the head of state in the Indian parliamentary system and is elected by the Electoral College. The list of President of India includes notable figures such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President, to the current President, Draupadi Murmu. The role of the President is to represent the unity of the nation and uphold constitutional duties, such as appointing the Prime Minister and granting pardons. However, real executive power resides with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This article will explore the list of President of India and their contributions.

What is the Role of the President of India?

The President of India is the constitutional head of the state and the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces. Though the role is mostly symbolic, the president safeguards the Constitution of India, gives assent to laws, and plays a central role during emergencies.

Importance of the Presidency and Its Historical Significance

The Indian Presidency is the most important one that holds India’s democratic values and unity in diversity. This plays a crucial role in the functioning of the Indian government. And also in maintaining the constitution. It also helps in promoting national cohesion. Presidents of India are providing stability in Indian politics.

Who is India’s Current President?

As of 2024, Droupadi Murmu is serving as the 15th President of India. She is the first tribal woman and the second woman overall to hold this esteemed office. Before Murmu, the President of India before Droupadi Murmu was Ram Nath Kovind, known for his advocacy for marginalized communities.

As a tribal woman from Odisha, Draupadi Murmu represents a historic first in occupying the highest constitutional office in the country. Her election to the presidency has great symbolic significance for India’s tribal populations.

Qualifications to Become President of India

Through the use of a single transferable vote and proportional representation, the president is chosen. Through the impeachment process, a president can be removed.

The following list of qualifications is for the position of President of India:

• The candidate should be a citizen of India.
• He ought to be at least thirty-five years old.
• The candidate needs to meet the requirements to be chosen to serve in the Lok Sabha.
• He should be barred from holding any paid position with the federal government, state government, or other public authority.

Presidents of India: Eligibility

• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 35 years old.
• Be qualified to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
• Not hold an office of profit (except for certain positions like Governor or Vice-President).
• Be nominated by at least 50 members and seconded by 50 others from the electoral college.
• Provide written consent to run for the position.

First President of India and Founding Figures

The President of India holds a profound place in the hearts of Indians. Let us discuss details about our first President and Scholarly President, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad: India’s First President

Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India from the year 1950 to 1962. He was also a lawyer and critical figure during India’s freedom struggle. One of the renowned leaders in the Indian National Congress. Rajendra Prasad has also participated in non-cooperation and civil Disobedience Movements.

He helped draft and adopt the Indian Constitution. He also worked in assisting democracy. His challenges included the Indo-China border dispute, economic struggles, and the integration of princely states.

2. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: A Scholarly President

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a renowned philosopher and scholar and the second president of India. He promoted religious tolerance and advocated for the philosophical basis of Hinduism, which he presented throughout the globe through his writings. He also gained recognition for his work on Eastern and Western philosophical thought, which earned him international recognition.

As president of India (1962 – 1967), he promoted education and culture. He emphasized the importance of knowledge and moral values in building the nation and honoured educators by celebrating Teacher’s Day on his birthday ( September 5).

President of India List from 1947 to 2020

Our respected presidents have faced many challenges during their term in office for the nation’s growth. Let us see the List of Presidents of India before Draupadi Murmu and their contribution to our country, India.

Name of the President	Starting date	Ending date	Notable Works
Rajendra Prasad	13 May 1957	13 May 1962	Rajendra Prasad was elected president twice. Before being chosen for this position, he served as president of the Constituent Assembly.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan	13th May 1962	13 May 1967	The writer and philosopher Radhakrishnan was widely known. He was vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University as well as Andhra University.
Zakir Hussain	13 May 1967	3 May 1969	He was the recipient of the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan. He died in office, leaving the shortest tenure of any president.
Varahagiri Venkata Giri	24 August 1969	24 August 1974	In 1967, he was chosen to be the Vice President of India. Due to Zakir Hussain’s unexpected passing while in office, he only held the office for a brief period of time.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed	24 August 1974	11 February 1977	In 1967, he was chosen to be the Vice President of India. Due to Zakir Hussain’s unexpected passing while in office, he only held the office for a brief time.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy	25 July 1977	25 July 1982	He was Andhra Pradesh’s first chief minister. He was the youngest President to hold office, having run twice for the presidency and taken over Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Giani Zail Singh	25 July 1982	25 July 1987	He served as both the Union Home Minister and the Punjab Chief Minister.
R. Venkataraman	25 July 1987	25 July 1992	In recognition of his services to the Indian freedom movement, he was awarded the “Tamra Patra.”
Shankar Dayal Sharma	25 July 1992	25 July 1997	He served as both the Indian Minister of Communications and the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
K. R. Narayanan	25 July 1997	25 July 2002	He represented India as an ambassador to the US, China, Thailand, and Turkey.
APJ Abdul Kalam	25 July 2002	25 July 2007	He was a key figure in the development of India’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He received a Bharat Ratna as well.
Pratibha Devisingh Patil	25 July 2007	25 July 2012	Pratibha Patil served as India’s first female president.
Pranab Mukherjee	25 July 2012	25 July 2017	In 1997, he received the Best Parliamentary Award. In 2008, he was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
Ram Nath Kovind	25 July 2017	25 July 2022	She has held the office of governor of Jharkhand before.
Droupadi Murmu	25 July 2022	Incumbent	She has held the office of Jharkhand governor before.

1. Zakir Husain: Unity in Diversity

Zakir Hussain was India’s third president (1967-1969). He promoted the unity of the nation and communal harmony. He also advocated religious tolerance and the diversity of India’s communities.

He also emphasized respect among different religious and cultural groups. And strengthened unity and secularism.

2. V. V. Giri: Upholder of Democratic Values

V.V. Giri was the fourth President of India from 1969 to 1974. In 1975, he gave his assent to the Bank Nationalization Bill. He led to controversies as he acted against the government’s advice. Even under this peer political pressure, he showed his dedication to maintaining the constitutional norms that rule his office.

He upheld the framework of democracy. He ensured the integrity of the presidency. Preserved the nation’s democratic institutions. He upheld the democratic fabric. He also adhered to the constitutional principles of India. His commitment maintained India’s democratic values.

3. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was India’s fifth president. He served the country from  1974 until he died in 1977. He was a lawyer and a politician. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed has contributed to the Indian National Congress and many government positions before the president position.

4. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy,

Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was India’s sixth president. He served the country from 1977 to 1982. Initially, he started his career in the Indian National Congress. Then, joined the Janata Party. He served as the speaker of the Lok Sabha and chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.

5. Giani Zail Singh

 Giani Zail Singh was India’s seventh president (1982-1987). His roles include chief minister of Punjab. His tenure left a mark on Indian politics as he faced important political events like Operation Blue Star.

6. Shankar Dayal Sharma

He was India’s eighth president (1992-1997). He has also held positions like Chief Minister of Bhopal and Cabinet Minister. As the president, he contributed to strengthening India’s democratic values.

7. K. R. Narayanan

He was India’s tenth president (1997-2002). K. R. Narayanan was the first Dalit to practice the presidency. K. R. Narayanan contributed to our country, India, by breaking the barriers of caste discrimination. He had a different diplomatic career. And has also served as India’s Ambassador to the United States. Presidents and India’s Technological Progress

The President of India used their strategy, and a few also used their educational knowledge. The nation used science and technology for progress. Let us see how they used them.

President of India: Election and Powers

The President of India plays a crucial role in the country’s governance, serving as the head of the executive, legislature, and judiciary. The President’s election, qualifications, and impeachment process are governed by Part V (The Union), Chapter I (The Executive) of the Indian Constitution, specifically under Articles 52 to 78.

Election Process

The President is elected by an Electoral College, which comprises:

• Elected members of both Houses of Parliament.
• Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all States.
• Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.

The election follows a preferential voting system using the single transferable vote method. This means voters can indicate their preferences for candidates, and if a candidate does not secure enough votes in the first round, the second-choice votes are considered.

Term and Removal

• The President serves a five-year term but can continue in office until a successor takes charge.
• They can resign by submitting a resignation letter to the Vice President.
• The President can be removed from office through impeachment, which requires a parliamentary process for violations of the Constitution.

Powers of the President

The President of India holds various powers across different branches of governance:

1. Executive Powers – Appoints the Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Justice, and other officials.
2. Legislative Powers – Summons and dissolves Parliament, gives assent to bills, and nominates members to the Rajya Sabha.
3. Judicial Powers – Has the authority to grant pardons, reprieves, and commute sentences.
4. Emergency Powers – Can declare National, State, or Financial Emergency under specific constitutional provisions.

This system ensures that the President functions as a constitutional authority, maintaining the balance of power in the Indian democracy.

Interesting Facts About the President of India

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad is the only President to have served two terms in office, a remarkable feat in Indian history.
2. When Zakir Hussain passed away while in office in 1969, V.V. Giri stepped in as the interim President, and to this day, Giri remains the only individual to have held this role in addition to being the President. 
3. India has had three acting Presidents, who served for short durations, contributing to fourteen Presidents in the country’s history. 
4. Zakir Husain and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, two former Presidents, tragically passed away while still in office. 
5. The President of India primarily holds a ceremonial role in the government, serving as a figurehead rather than an active policymaker. 
6. While the citizens do not directly elect the President, their election is carried out by the elected members of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union Territories. 
7. Dr. Rajendra Prasad remains the longest-serving President of India, a record that stands to this day. 
8. In 2007, Pratibha Patil made history by becoming the first woman to serve as President of India, breaking a significant barrier in Indian politics.

List of Presidents of India and India’s Technological Progress

1. R. Venkataraman: The Scientific President

Ramaswamy Venkataraman, India’s 8th President from 1987 to 1992, was the first head of state with a background in science. Venkataraman pursued higher studies in physics and law, becoming an advocate of the Madras High Court in 1935. As a President with a scientific temperament, he rationalized decision-making and advocated technological advancement in India.

2. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: The People’s President

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the hugely popular 11th President from 2002 to 2007, was affectionately known as the ‘People’s President’. An accomplished aerospace scientist, Kalam came from humble beginnings but went on to lead key missile programs. As President, he energized youth through inspirational speeches and a vision for a developed India.  He addressed many social challenges.  He also inspired a lot of the youths with his commendable work by empowering the youth.

His vision for 2020 is to transform the Indian nation into a knowledgeable and economically rich by the use of science and technology. This shows his hope in science,  research, and technology.

First Woman President of India

In the modern world, feminists are fighting for gender equality.  Pratibha Patil was the first woman president who won the support of the people and addressed the major problems to solve them.

Pratibha Patil: Breaking Barriers

The first woman President of India(2007) was Pratibha Patil. It was a great moment where gender equality won. Pratibha Patil inspired many women across the world with her commendable role. She represents the empowerment of women in politics.

She also addressed the importance of education. And increased the economic opportunities for women. She also worked to reduce poverty and healthcare access was improved. Her most commendable work was her focus on the marginalized communities.

Pranab Mukherjee: A Statesman’s Stint

Pranab Mukherjee played the role of finance and foreign minister. He became the 13th president of India in 2017. During his presidency, India faced inflation, corruption, and governance-related issues. His role was crucial in handling these challenges by upholding the Indian Constitution.

List of Recent Presidents of India and Global Diplomacy

Diplomatic relations were established at the international level by our respected presidents.

1. Ram Nath Kovind: Representing the Marginalized

Ram Nath Kovind was the 16th President of India (2017-2022), if we also include the acting presidents of India. His focus was on the enhancement of the underprivileged communities. Ram Nath Kovind also improved the education and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.

He visited several countries, promoting India’s interests on the international stage and encouraging diplomatic relations at the international level.

2. Droupadi Murmu

Droupadi Murmu has broken barriers by becoming India’s first tribal President. Hailing from Odisha, Murmu has extensive political experience from the district to the state level, including as Jharkhand’s Governor. Her election in 2022 has cultural significance for underrepresented communities. As President, Murmu draws on her diverse background to represent and unite the aspirations of all Indians. She reflects on the polyphonic nature of Indian democracy. Droupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India, if we exclude the acting presidents of India.

The Presidential Role in Indian Governance

The President plays many roles in the governance of India. Let us discuss the roles and powers of the Presidents of India.

1. Executive Powers of the President

The Presidency’s role in Indian governance includes the appointment of the Minister and the Council of Ministers and declaring a state of emergency. They can take extraordinary measures like suspending fundamental rights, but these should be used only in critical situations like war or natural disasters. This decision was made to maintain India’s stability.

2. Legislative Role and Presidential Veto

The President’s legislative Role safeguards the country’s democratic values and legal framework and prevents potential constitutional violations.

Presidential vetoes in India are very rare because the president usually follows the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, if the president exercises a veto, it can lead to a constitutional crisis. During these situations, democratic norms and constitutional principles are carefully considered.

Presidential Residences and Symbols

Rashtrapati Bhavan: The President’s Official Residence

Rashtrapati Bhavan holds historical significance. A British architect, Edwin Lutyens, designed the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This building is an architectural marvel that blends Indian and Western styles. It is a symbol of India’s independence and democracy

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the President’s official residence. It is where state affairs and important government events are hosted.

Presidential Seals and Symbols

The Presidential Seal on official documents comprises a national emblem with the words “Rashtrapati Bhavan ” and “President’s Secretariat.” It represents the president’s role in protecting the nation’s integrity.

Read More:-

• List of Vice Presidents of India from 1950 to 2023
• List of Prime Ministers of Pakistan: 1947 to 2024
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad: India’s First President and Architect of a New Nation

Presidents’ Contributions to Nation-Building 

Educational Initiatives and Scholarships

All presidents of India improved education by promoting it. They have also given scholarships, like Dr. Radhakrishnan, and provided awards to those who excel in their studies. These things help to encourage the youth to achieve in their studies.

Philanthropic and Social Endeavors

All presidents of India have been involved in social endeavors. They have participated in charitable activities and supported social causes that significantly impact social welfare. These initiatives have contributed to improving education, healthcare, and poverty eradication.

Legacy and Historical Impact 

Evaluating the Contributions of Various Presidents

 Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. Radhakrishnan contributed to nation-building. APJ Abdul Kalam, who was the “People’s President,” was known for science and youth empowerment. Every president of India shaped India uniquely, reflecting their values.

Public Perception and Historical Reflection

Politics frequently impacts how people view former presidents in the public. Historical perspectives focus on their contributions to supporting the principles of the Constitution. Their actions have long-lasting effects on India’s current governance. They also act as models for aspiring leaders, creating the country’s democratic culture and dedication to advancement.

Conclusion

The President of India list from 1947 to 2024 reflects India’s journey through varied leadership, from statesmen and scholars to scientists and social reformers. Each figure, including legends like APJ Abdul Kalam and Dr. Rajendra Prasad, has strengthened India’s constitutional fabric.

With Droupadi Murmu, India has turned a new chapter in inclusive governance. The office of the President of India continues to symbolize unity, progress, and the values that form the bedrock of our democracy.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)