The President of India is an important figure in the country’s democracy, acting as the ceremonial head of state. Since India became a republic in 1950, the role of the President has been crucial in guiding the country through various challenges and changes. Each President has brought their own leadership style and vision, helping to shape India’s political and social landscape. The President represents the unity of the nation and ensures that the Constitution is upheld, with the power to influence key decisions, though much of the authority is ceremonial.
This PDF provides a list of all the Presidents of India, from the first, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, to the current President, Droupadi Murmu. It highlights their terms in office, important achievements, and the significant moments they led India through. Whether they served during times of peace or faced challenges like wars and political changes, each President has played a role in making India the nation it is today.
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Pdf List of President of India Till Now
| No. | Name | Term Start | Term End | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 26 January 1950 | 13 May 1962 | First President of India; served two terms |
| 2 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 13 May 1962 | 13 May 1967 | Renowned philosopher and former Vice President |
| 3 | Dr. Zakir Husain | 13 May 1967 | 3 May 1969 | First Muslim President; died in office |
| 4 | V. V. Giri | 24 August 1969 | 24 August 1974 | First President elected as an independent candidate |
| 5 | Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed | 24 August 1974 | 11 February 1977 | Second President to die in office |
| 6 | Neelam Sanjiva Reddy | 25 July 1977 | 25 July 1982 | Only President elected unopposed |
| 7 | Giani Zail Singh | 25 July 1982 | 25 July 1987 | First Sikh President |
| 8 | R. Venkataraman | 25 July 1987 | 25 July 1992 | Former freedom fighter and politician |
| 9 | Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma | 25 July 1992 | 25 July 1997 | Former Vice President and scholar |
| 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 | Known as the “People’s President”; space scientist |
| 12 | Pratibha Patil | 25 July 2007 | 25 July 2012 | First female President of India |
| 13 | Pranab Mukherjee | 25 July 2012 | 25 July 2017 | Experienced politician and former Finance Minister |
| 14 | Ram Nath Kovind | 25 July 2017 | 25 July 2022 | Second Dalit President |
| 15 | Droupadi Murmu | 25 July 2022 | Incumbent | First tribal President and second woman President |
List of Presidents of India: President of India List From 1947 to 2024
The office of the President of India is one of the highest constitutional positions in the country, symbolizing unity, integrity, and the democratic spirit of the nation. Here is details about List of President of India From 1947 to 2024 With Photos
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962)
Dr. Rajendra Prasad holds the distinction of being the first President of India and the only one to serve two terms. His leadership spanned the critical post-independence years when India was establishing its democratic framework. Known for his simplicity and dedication, he was a key figure in the Indian freedom movement and played an instrumental role in shaping the newly formed Republic of India. Dr. Prasad remains an enduring symbol of integrity and humility.
2. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1962–1967)
A renowned philosopher and teacher, Dr. Radhakrishnan was elected as the second President of India. Prior to becoming President, he was India’s first Vice President. His contributions to education and philosophy have been recognized globally, and his birthday, September 5, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s tenure as President reflected his deep wisdom and commitment to promoting education and national unity.
3. Dr. Zakir Husain (1967–1969)
Dr. Zakir Husain made history as the first Muslim President of India. A distinguished scholar and educationist, he was known for his advocacy of education as a means of social change. Unfortunately, his tenure was cut short when he passed away while still in office in 1969. Dr. Husain’s legacy lives on in his significant contributions to India’s educational policies and reforms.
4. V. V. Giri (1969–1974)
V. V. Giri was the first President to be elected as an independent candidate, and his presidency was marked by his efforts to strengthen the democratic structure of the country. He had previously served as Vice President and as a prominent trade union leader, which shaped his focus on worker rights and social justice. His term was marked by significant political instability, and he is remembered for his impartiality during tumultuous times.
5. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (1974–1977)
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed served as India’s fifth President and was the second President to die while in office. His tenure saw one of the most controversial moments in India’s history—the declaration of the Emergency in 1975. Despite the controversies, his presidency remains a reminder of the challenges faced by the Indian political system in the 1970s.
6. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy (1977–1982)
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was elected as the sixth President of India and holds the distinction of being the only President to be elected unopposed. Before assuming office, he was the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and served in various important political roles. His presidency came during a period of political reformation and consolidation, particularly after the Emergency era.
7. Giani Zail Singh (1982–1987)
Giani Zail Singh was the first Sikh President of India and a prominent political figure in the Congress Party. His tenure coincided with significant political and social challenges, including the Operation Blue Star in 1984, which sought to eliminate militants from the Golden Temple. His time in office is remembered for his commitment to national unity and social justice.
8. R. Venkataraman (1987–1992)
R. Venkataraman served as India’s eighth President and was a former Union Minister who contributed significantly to India’s economic policies before becoming President. He played an instrumental role in the continuation of the economic reforms that began in the late 1980s. His presidency is remembered for its commitment to economic growth and political stability.
9. Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992–1997)
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma was a former Vice President and a scholar. His presidency saw a focus on strengthening India’s federal structure and its international relations. He was known for his balanced approach in dealing with political issues, and his time in office coincided with significant changes in India’s political landscape, including the rise of coalition politics.
10. K. R. Narayanan (1997–2002)
K. R. Narayanan was the first Dalit to be elected as President of India. His election was a landmark in the country’s political history, highlighting India’s commitment to social justice and equality. Narayanan’s tenure was marked by his strong stance on various issues and his active engagement in India’s domestic and international affairs. His presidency remains a symbol of hope for marginalized communities.
11. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007)
Popularly known as the “People’s President,” Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a distinguished scientist and the architect of India’s space and missile programs. His presidency is remembered for his visionary leadership, efforts to promote education, and encouragement for the youth of India. Dr. Kalam’s humble background and approachable personality made him a beloved figure throughout India and beyond.
12. Pratibha Patil (2007–2012)
Pratibha Patil made history as the first woman President of India. Her presidency focused on social issues, women’s empowerment, and promoting education. Her time in office was marked by her emphasis on making India a more inclusive society and providing leadership during a period of economic growth.
13. Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017)
A seasoned politician and statesman, Pranab Mukherjee served as India’s 13th President. Prior to his presidency, he held several important government positions, including Finance Minister and Foreign Minister. His presidency was marked by efforts to maintain political stability and enhance India’s relations with the global community.
14. Ram Nath Kovind (2017–2022)
Ram Nath Kovind was the second Dalit to become President of India. His presidency focused on social empowerment, particularly for backward and marginalized communities. Kovind is remembered for his calm and dignified leadership, his support for education and development, and his role in upholding constitutional values.
15. Droupadi Murmu (2022–Present)
Droupadi Murmu made history as the first tribal woman to be elected as President of India. Her election is seen as a significant step toward empowering tribal communities in India. Before becoming President, she served as the Governor of Jharkhand, and her leadership continues to inspire many in her historic role.
Each President of India has played a unique role in shaping the country’s future. Whether through their contributions to education, social reforms, economic policies, or strengthening democracy, these leaders reflect the diverse and dynamic character of India. From Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s foundational leadership to Droupadi Murmu’s empowering journey, the office of the President continues to be a beacon of India’s democratic values and national pride.
Read also
Read also: PM List of India | List of Prime Minister of India
FaQs
How many presidents are there for India?
As of 2024, 15 Presidents have served as the head of India.
Who was the longest President of India?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the longest-serving President of India, serving two terms from 1962 to 1967, making him the longest-serving President with a tenure of over 5 years.
Who was the first President of India?
Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, serving from 1950 to 1962. He remains the only President to have served two full terms.
Who is the shortest-serving President of India?
Zail Singh holds the record for being the shortest-serving President.
Who is the first tribal President of India?
Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal woman to become the President of India, taking office in 2022.