- By Ridam Sharma
- Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
List of Vice Presidents of India: The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional post of India. From being the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to taking responsibility as the President of the country, in specific circumstances, the post of Vice President of India is a crucial aspect of India's parliamentary system. To learn more, here’s a full list of the Vice Presidents of India, including important and frequently asked questions about the post, according to the data on the official government of India website of Vice Presidents of India.
Complete List Of Vice Presidents Of India And Their Tenures:
| S. No. | Vice President of India | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | May 13, 1952 – May 12, 1957 |
| May 13, 1957 – May 12, 1962 | ||
| 2 | Zakir Husain | May 13, 1962 – May 12, 1967 |
| 3 | V. V. Giri | May 13, 1967 – May 3, 1969 |
| 4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | August 31, 1969 – August 30, 1974 |
| 5 | B. D. Jatti | August 31, 1974 – August 30, 1979 |
| 6 | Mohammad Hidayatullah | August 31, 1979 – August 30, 1984 |
| 7 | R. Venkataraman | August 31, 1984 – July 24, 1987 |
| 8 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | September 3, 1987 – July 24, 1992 |
| 9 | K. R. Narayanan | August 21, 1992 – July 24, 1997 |
| 10 | Krishan Kant | August 21, 1997 – July 27, 2002 |
| 11 | Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | August 19, 2002 – July 21, 2007 |
| 12 | Mohammad Hamid Ansari | August 11, 2007 – August 10, 2012 |
| August 11, 2012 – August 10, 2017 | ||
| 13 | Venkaiah Naidu | August 11, 2017 – August 10, 2022 |
| 14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | August 11, 2022 – July 21, 2025 |
Key FAQs About The Vice Presidents Of India:
1. Who Was The First Vice President Of India?
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first vice president of India, who served from May 13, 1952-May 12, 1957 and then again from May 13, 1957, to May 12, 1962.
2. Who is the current serving Vice President of India?
Jagdeep Dhankhar is the present (14th) Vice President of India, who took charge of his office on August 11, 2022.
Also Read: Who Are The Current Cabinet Ministers Of India And What Are Their Portfolios?
3. How long is the tenure of the Vice President of India?
The Vice President serves for five years from the date of assuming office, but can remain in office until a new vice president takes charge.
4. How is the Vice President of India elected?
The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College, which includes the members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members), using a system of proportional representation using a single transferable vote.
5. What are the principal requirements to become Vice President?
There are four most important requirements for being a candidate for Vice President, which are:
- Should be a citizen of India
- Should be at least 35 years of age
- Should be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha
- Should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government or local/public authority.
6. What are the principal responsibilities of the Vice President?
- Serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
- Serves as President in case of need, due to death, resignation, removal, or other reasons, until a new President is elected.
7. Is the Vice President re-eligible for the post of Vice President of India?
Yes, the Vice President can be re-elected to any number of terms.
8. How can the Vice President be removed from office?
The Vice President can be removed by a resolution of a majority of the Rajya Sabha members and should be agreed to by the Lok Sabha, as per Article 67(b). The resolution should be introduced by at least 14 days' notice. There is no formal impeachment, and the Constitution gives no grounds for removal.
9. Who occupies the chair of the Rajya Sabha in the Vice President's absence?
The Deputy Chairperson of Rajya Sabha acts as the chairperson in the absence of the Vice President or when the office is vacant.
10. Has any Vice President served more than one term?
Yes, two Vice Presidents have served for two successive terms: the first Vice President of India, Dr S Radhakrishnan (1952–1962) and Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007–2017).
11. What if the office of Vice President falls vacant?
If the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, an election is held as soon as possible. In the interim, the Deputy Chairperson or a member authorised by the President performs the Vice President’s duties as Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
12. What is the Vice President’s salary?
The Vice President is paid a salary as the Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, which is around Rs 4 lakh per month, as per Testbook.
13. What are the articles of the Constitution dealing with the Vice President?
Articles 63 to 71 of the Indian Constitution deal with the office, election, powers, and removal of the Vice President.
Also Read: Complete List Of Home Affairs Ministers Of India: From Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel To Amit Shah
The Vice President of India is an important constitutional position that guarantees legislative stability and continuity in the top positions of governance. Knowing the roles, functions, and historical background of the office is crucial for all who have an interest in Indian politics, also for those giving competitive exams, and for the overall citizens of India as well.