The President of India is the head of state of the Republic of India and the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. While the Prime Minister holds the executive power, the President’s role is that of a constitutional head, a symbol of the nation’s unity, integrity, and sovereignty. Since India became a republic in 1950, a number of eminent individuals have occupied the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This 2026 guide provides a complete list of all Presidents of India, detailing their time in office and their unique contributions to the nation’s history.
Quick Answer
India has had 15 Presidents since the office was established in 1950. The first President of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who is also the longest-serving president. The list includes distinguished figures like Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, and India’s first female President, Pratibha Patil. The current President is Droupadi Murmu, who took office in 2022.
The Role and Powers of the President of India
The President of India holds a significant, albeit largely ceremonial, position in the Indian political system. Key functions include:
- Constitutional Head: The President acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. All executive decisions are taken in the President’s name.
- Appointing Authority: The President appoints the Prime Minister, other ministers, the Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, state governors, and other important officials.
- Legislative Role: A bill passed by the Parliament becomes an act only after it receives the President’s assent. The President also summons and prorogues sessions of Parliament.
- Emergency Powers: The President has the power to declare three types of emergencies: national, state (President’s Rule), and financial.
- Supreme Commander: As the head of the armed forces, the President can declare war or conclude peace, subject to the approval of the Parliament.
While the President’s role is ceremonial, the moral authority and guidance they provide are crucial. The relationship between the President and the Prime Minister of India is key to the smooth functioning of the government.
Complete List of Presidents of India and Their Tenures
Here is the chronological list of all the Presidents who have served the nation from the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
| No. | Name | Term of Office (Start) | Term of Office (End) | Key Facts |
| 1 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 26 January 1950 | 13 May 1962 | First and longest-serving President, served two full terms. |
| 2 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 13 May 1962 | 13 May 1967 | A distinguished philosopher and writer. His birthday is celebrated as Teacher’s Day. |
| 3 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 13 May 1967 | 3 May 1969 | First Muslim President. Died in office. |
| – | V. V. Giri (Acting) | 3 May 1969 | 20 July 1969 | Served as acting President after Husain’s death. |
| – | Mohammad Hidayatullah (Acting) | 20 July 1969 | 24 August 1969 | Chief Justice who served as acting President. |
| 4 | V. V. Giri | 24 August 1969 | 24 August 1974 | Elected after serving as acting President. |
| 5 | Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed | 24 August 1974 | 11 February 1977 | Second President to die in office. Signed the Emergency proclamation. |
| – | B. D. Jatti (Acting) | 11 February 1977 | 25 July 1977 | Served as acting President after Ahmed’s death. |
| 6 | Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | 25 July 1977 | 25 July 1982 | Was elected unopposed. Youngest person to become President. |
| 7 | Giani Zail Singh | 25 July 1982 | 25 July 1987 | First Sikh President. His tenure saw Operation Blue Star. |
| 8 | R. Venkataraman | 25 July 1987 | 25 July 1992 | Oversaw a period of coalition politics. |
| 9 | Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | 25 July 1992 | 25 July 1997 | Former Vice President of India. |
| 10 | K. R. Narayanan | 25 July 1997 | 25 July 2002 | First Dalit President. |
| 11 | Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | 25 July 2002 | 25 July 2007 | Renowned scientist, known as the ‘People’s President’. |
| 12 | Pratibha Patil | 25 July 2007 | 25 July 2012 | First female President of India. |
| 13 | Pranab Mukherjee | 25 July 2012 | 25 July 2017 | Veteran politician with a long and distinguished career. |
| 14 | Ram Nath Kovind | 25 July 2017 | 25 July 2022 | Second Dalit President. |
| 15 | Droupadi Murmu | 25 July 2022 | Present (as of 2026) | First tribal President and second female President. |
How is the President of India elected?
The President of India is elected indirectly by an electoral college. This electoral college consists of the elected members of both houses of Parliament (the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha) and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all the States and Union Territories. The election is held through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote.
Mistakes and Misconceptions about the President of India
- Thinking the President is Directly Elected by the People: Unlike in a presidential system like the USA, the Indian President is not elected directly by the citizens.
- Believing the President has Absolute Power: The President’s powers are largely ceremonial and are exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister and the cabinet. They cannot make executive decisions independently.
- Confusing the Term Length: The President of India is elected for a term of five years and is eligible for re-election.
- Assuming the Role is Unimportant: While not the executive head, the President is the guardian of the constitution and acts as a conscience-keeper for the government. In times of political instability, the President’s discretion becomes critically important.
Conclusion
The list of all Presidents of India is a reflection of the nation’s diverse and inclusive character. From scholars and scientists to veteran politicians and representatives of marginalized communities, the individuals who have held this high office have brought unique perspectives and dignity to the role. They stand as a symbol of the Indian Republic’s enduring democratic values. As of 2026, the history of the presidency is a proud chapter in the story of modern India, showcasing the leaders who have served as the constitutional head of the world’s largest democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the longest-serving President of India?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, is also the longest-serving. He held the office for two consecutive terms, from 1950 to 1962, for a total of over 12 years.
Who is known as the ‘Missile Man of India’ and also served as President?
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a distinguished aerospace scientist who played a crucial role in India’s civilian space program and military missile development, is known as the ‘Missile Man of India’. He served as the 11th President from 2002 to 2007 and was beloved as the ‘People’s President’.
Who was the first female President of India?
Pratibha Patil created history by becoming the first woman to hold the office of the President of India. She served a full five-year term from 2007 to 2012.
Have any Presidents died while in office?
Yes, two Presidents have died during their term: Dr. Zakir Husain in 1969 and Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed in 1977. On both occasions, the Vice President took over as the acting President until a new President was elected.
Where does the President of India reside?
The official residence and workplace of the President of India is the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House) in New Delhi. It is one of the largest presidential residences in the world.