President of India List – List of Indian Presidents from 1947 to 2023
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
President of India List includes the names of 15 Presidents who took an oath for serving the nation between 1947 and 2023. As India’s 15th President, Draupadi Murmu currently holds the prestigious office. The knowledge of the President of India list from 1947 to 2023 is crucial for various government examinations. The members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and Vidhan Sabha form the electoral college, which collaborates to choose the President.
The list of President of India includes eminent personalities from various fields, including politics, law, and science. Each President brings their unique background and experience to the role, contributing to the diverse and rich legacy of the office. Read the entire article to know the President of India list in chronological sequence along with their tenure.
Table of content
President of India List from 1947 to 2023
On November 26, 1949, India’s Constitution was ratified and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was chosen to serve as the country’s first President under the new system. Draupadi Murmu was chosen by the electoral college to be the 15th President of India in July 2022. The table below states the President of India list in chronological order.
| List of Presidents of India | Term of Office | Description |
| Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 26 January 1950 – 13 May 1962 | He was inaugurated as India’s first president in 1884. He presided over the Constituent Assembly and served as the movement’s principal leader for Indian independence. He was given the Bharat Ratna honor in 1962. |
| Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 13 May 1962 – 13 May 1967 | The second on the President of India list is Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a philosopher from India who also held the office of first Vice President of India. |
| Dr. Zakir Hussain | 13 May 1967 – 03 May 1969 | Former Governor of Bihar and Vice President of India, Dr. Zakir Hussain was an economist from India. |
| Varahagiri Venkatagiri | 03 May 1969 – 20 July 1969 | The fourth on the list of President of India is Varahagiri Venkatagiri. Dr. Hussain’s death led to the appointment of V.V. Giri as President in the Interim. |
| Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah | 20 July 1969 – 24 August 1969 | Previously the Interim President, Justice Mohammad Hidayatullah was the 11th Chief Justice of India. |
| Varahagiri Venkatagiri | 24 August 1969 – 24 August 1974 | Having served as the Acting President, he was appointed to serve the full term as the 4th President of India. In 1975, he also received the Bharat Ratna honor. |
| Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed | 24 August 1974 – 11 February 1977 | He was the 5th President of India. He passed away before serving his entire term in office. He was the second President to pass away while still in office, following Hussain. |
| B.D. Jatti | 11 February 1977 – 25 July 1977 | After Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed passed away, India’s fifth Vice President assumed the role of acting President. |
| Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | 25 July 1977 – 25 July 1982 | He held the positions of speaker of the Lok Sabha, union minister, and the first chief minister of Andhra Pradesh during his lengthy political career. He was the first president to win without an opponent. |
| Giani Zail Singh | 25 July 1982 – 25 July 1987 | Served the Indian government as the 7th President after beginning his political career as a member of the Indian National Congress. |
| R. Venkataraman | 25 July 1987 – 25 July 1992 | The 8th on the President of India list is R. Venkataraman. Before becoming president, he was a union minister and an Indian lawyer. |
| Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | 25 July 1992 – 25 July 1997 | The 9th on the Indian President list is Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. Prior to his presidency, he served as the CM of Bhopal and Cabinet Minister. |
| K.R. Narayanan | 25 July 1997 – 25 July 2002 | At Indira Gandhi’s suggestion, K.R. Narayanan entered politics and went on to win three straight general elections. |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam | 25 July 2002 – 25 July 2007 | The 11th on the President of India list is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was an aerospace scientist, who spent four decades in DRDO and ISRO. He is popularly known as the ‘Missile Man of India’. |
| Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil | 25 July 2007 – 25 July 2012 | A member of the INS and the first woman to serve the government as the President of India. Patil served as the Rajya Sabha’s deputy chairperson from 1986 to 1988. |
| Shri Pranab Mukherjee | 25 July 2012 – 25 July 2017 | The 13th on the list of President of India is Shri Pranab Mukherjee. He served as the Union’s finance minister and Rajya Sabha speaker before being elected president. |
| Shri Ram Nath Kovind | 25 July 2017 – 21 July 2022 | The 14th on the President of India list is Ram Nath Kovind. Before winning the presidential election, he served as the governor of Bihar and a member of the Rajya Sabha. |
| Draupadi Murmu | 21 July 2022 – Working | The Republic of India’s current president is Droupadi Murmu. After Shri Ram Nath Kovind, she is India’s fifteenth president. |
List of President of India PDF
Based on presidents who were chosen after winning the election, the President of India list is prepared. Therefore, the tenure of Varahagiri Venkata Giri, M. Hidayatullah, and B. D. Jatti, who served as Acting President, are not numbered or taken into account for determining the number of actual terms in office. You can use the direct link provided below to get the President of India list PDF:
Download: List of President of India PDF
List of President of India – Brief Description
A brief description of each candidate in the President of India list is shared here. This information must be carefully read by the aspirants of competitive exams such as UPSC, as many questions about the tenure and life of the Presidents are repeatedly asked in Indian Polity and current affairs section.
Droupadi Murmu – 15th President of India
Droupadi Murmu is currently serving as the 15th President of India. She was elected on July 21, 2022. Born on June 20, 1958, she hails from Odisha. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Murmu is known for her dedication to social welfare and the upliftment of tribal communities. She has actively worked towards empowering women and promoting education in rural areas. Murmu’s leadership and commitment to public service have earned her recognition and respect and included her name in the President of India list.
Shri Ram Nath Kovind (2017-2022)
Shri Ram Nath Kovind served as the 14th President of India from July 25, 2017, to July 25, 2022. A lawyer by profession, Kovind is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During his tenure, he focused on promoting social justice, inclusivity, and the welfare of marginalized communities. Kovind actively supported initiatives related to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. His presidency witnessed the launch of various government schemes, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, aimed at improving the living conditions and well-being of the citizens of India.
Pranab Mukherjee (2012-2017)
Pranab Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017. As President, Mukherjee emphasized the values of democracy, unity, and economic progress. He played a crucial role in strengthening India’s international relations and promoting its image on the global stage. Mukherjee’s astute leadership and statesmanship earned him widespread respect, making his presidency a significant chapter in India’s history.
Pratibha Patil (2007-2012)
Pratibha Patil served comes on 12th in the President of India list who served in office from 2007 to 2012. She was the first woman to hold this esteemed position. Patil, a lawyer and politician, dedicated her presidency to promoting social welfare and women’s empowerment. She actively supported initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and rural development.
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (2002-2007)
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Known as the “People’s President,” he was a renowned scientist and a key figure in India’s missile and space programs. He focused on inspiring the youth, promoting education, and advocating for technological advancements.
Kocheril Raman Narayanan (1997-2002)
Kocheril Raman Narayanan (10th on the list of President of India) was the first President belonging to the Dalit community, a historically marginalized group in India. Narayanan, an accomplished diplomat, and scholar, was known for his integrity and commitment to social justice. During his presidency, he focused on promoting inclusivity, education, and the welfare of marginalized communities.
Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997)
Shankar Dayal Sharma advocated for secularism, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities. As President, he worked towards strengthening India’s democratic institutions and upholding constitutional values. Sharma’s tenure as the ninth President of India witnessed key events, including economic reforms and advancements in science and technology. His leadership and commitment to public service left a lasting impact on the nation.
Ramaswamy Venkataraman (1987-1992)
Ramaswamy Venkataraman served as the 8th President of India from 1987 to 1992. An accomplished lawyer and politician, he dedicated his presidency to promoting unity, social justice, and economic development. Venkataraman played a vital role in shaping India’s foreign policy and strengthening its defense capabilities.
Giani Zail Singh (1982-1987)
Giani Zail Singh’s presidency focused on inclusive growth, rural development, and communal harmony. He actively supported initiatives aimed at uplifting the underprivileged and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy (1977-1982)
Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, being 6th on the President of India list, prioritized upholding constitutional values, promoting democratic principles, and advancing social welfare. Reddy’s presidency witnessed the consolidation of India’s democracy after the Emergency period. He played a crucial role in fostering unity and stability in the nation while advocating for the rights and well-being of the people.
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974-1977)
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as the fifth President of India from 1974 to 1977. A lawyer and politician, he emphasized social justice, national unity, and economic progress during his presidency. Ahmed’s tenure witnessed the declaration of Emergency in India, during which he faced criticism for some of his decisions.
Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1969-1974)
Varahagiri Venkata Giri, popularly known as V.V. Giri, served as the fourth President of India. His tenure witnessed significant events like the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He held the distinction of being the only person to contest against the official candidate and win the presidency.
Dr. Zakir Hussain (1967-1969)
Dr. Zakir Hussain was the third President of India, serving from 1967 until his death in 1969. A philosopher, educator, and politician, he played a crucial role in promoting education and cultural harmony. Hussain was a staunch advocate of minority rights and worked towards fostering unity among diverse communities.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962-1967)
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an eminent philosopher, scholar, and statesman. He had a profound impact on India’s intellectual and educational landscape. He emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and his teachings continue to inspire generations of Indians. Radhakrishnan’s presidency was marked by his commitment to promoting India’s rich heritage and fostering global harmony.
Dr Rajendra Prasad (1950-1962)
Rajendra Prasad served as the first President of India from 1950 to 1962. He played a vital role in shaping India’s political landscape during its formative years. Prasad was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. As President, he upheld the principles of democracy, unity, and social justice. His tenure witnessed the adoption of the Indian Constitution, the consolidation of the republic, and the establishment of key institutions. Prasad’s wisdom, integrity, and commitment to public service made him a respected figure and a guiding force in the early years of independent India.
Important points on the List of President of India
The Indian president serves as both the Republic of India’s head of state and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces. Article 56, section V of the Indian Constitution specifies that the President may hold office for a term of five years. Here are a few important things to take into consideration in addition to the President of India list:
- If it is determined that the President has violated the Constitution, he or she may be removed from office. Either house of parliament has the authority to move this impeachment.
- When the President is absent due to a death, resignation, impeachment, or other circumstances, the vice president assumes the presidency. If the Vice President’s position is vacant, the chief justice of India assumes the presidency.
- Elected for five years, but is immediately eligible for reelection and can serve an unlimited number of terms.
- The list should be remembered by every aspirant solely as the topic of the President of India list had been brought up several times in the General Awareness portion of various competitive exams.
