Since India became independent in 1947, the country has had many Presidents who have served as the head of the nation. The President of India is the highest authority in the country and is responsible for ensuring that the laws of the land are followed. The President also represents India in official matters both within the country and around the world.
The first President of India was Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who took office on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic. Since then, many leaders have taken on the role of President, each contributing to the growth and development of the nation in their own way.
For students preparing for competitive exams, knowing the list of Presidents and their contributions is important. This information often appears in general knowledge sections of exams. Learning about the Presidents helps us understand the history of India and the role these leaders played in shaping the country. It’s also helpful for understanding how India’s political system works.
The table below shows the Presidents of India in chronological order. Review the complete list of India’s Presidents.
| S. No. | President | Term Start | Term End |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 1950 | 1962 |
| 2 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 1962 | 1967 |
| 3 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 1967 | 1969 |
| 4 | Varahagiri Venkata Giri | 1969 | 1974 |
| 5 | Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed | 1974 | 1977 |
| 6 | Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | 1977 | 1982 |
| 7 | Giani Zail Singh | 1982 | 1987 |
| 8 | R. Venkataraman | 1987 | 1992 |
| 9 | Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1992 | 1997 |
| 10 | K. R. Narayanan | 1997 | 2002 |
| 11 | Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam | 2002 | 2007 |
| 12 | Pratibha Patil | 2007 | 2012 |
| 13 | Pranab Mukherjee | 2012 | 2017 |
| 14 | Ram Nath Kovind | 2017 | 2022 |
| 15 | Droupadi Murmu | 2022 | Incumbent |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Presidents of India
Who was the first President of India?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962.
Who is the current President of India?
As of 2025, Droupadi Murmu is the current President of India, having taken office in 2022.
How is the President of India elected?
The President is elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories.
What is the term length for the President of India?
The President of India serves a term of five years but can be re-elected for additional terms.
Who was the first woman President of India?
Pratibha Patil was the first woman to hold the office of President, serving from 2007 to 2012.
Which President served the longest term in office?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad served the longest, completing two full terms from 1950 to 1962.
What are the main duties of the President of India?
The President’s duties include upholding the Constitution, appointing the Prime Minister, and representing India in international forums, among others.
