The President is the first citizen and constitutional head of India (Article 52-78), while the Vice-President holds the second-highest office and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 63-64).
The President represents the constitutional authority and unity of the Union, while the Vice-President has a significant role in the functioning of the Rajya Sabha and in ensuring continuity in the office of the President. Together, these offices reflect the principles of India's parliamentary democracy and constitutional governance.
President of India
The office of the President is mentioned in Article 52 of the Constitution, which states that there shall be a President of India. The President is the constitutional head of the Union Executive under the parliamentary system. The real executive power is exercised by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
The President is elected indirectly for a term of five years. The electoral college consists of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States, including Delhi and Puducherry. The election is held by proportional representation through the single transferable vote system, and voting is conducted by secret ballot.
A person must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified for election to the Lok Sabha, and must not hold an office of profit under the government. The President can be re-elected any number of times.
The President has several important powers. The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the Prime Minister's advice, other ministers. The President also appoints important constitutional authorities such as the Governors of States, the Attorney General of India and members of the Union Public Service Commission. The President is also the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
The President has legislative powers such as summoning and proroguing Parliament and giving assent to Bills. When Parliament is not in session, the President can promulgate an Ordinance under Article 123. The President also has certain financial, judicial and emergency powers. However, these powers are generally exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
Vice-President of India
The office of the Vice-President is provided under Article 63. The Vice-President is elected for a term of five years by the members of both Houses of Parliament. Unlike the election of the President, nominated members of Parliament can also participate in the Vice-Presidential election.
The Vice-President must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha, and must not hold an office of profit under the government.
The most important constitutional function of the Vice-President is to serve as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Vice-President presides over its meetings and maintains order and discipline in the House.
The Vice-President also performs an important role when the office of President becomes vacant or when the President is temporarily unable to perform his or her functions. Under Article 65, the Vice-President acts as President until a new President assumes office or performs the President's functions during a temporary inability.
Exam Revision Facts
President of India:
1. Article 52 — There shall be a President of India.
2. Article 53 — Executive power of the Union is vested in the President.
3. Article 54 — Election of the President.
4. Article 55 — Manner of election of the President.
5. Article 56 — Term of office: 5 years.
6. Article 57 — President is eligible for re-election.
7. Article 58 — Qualifications for President.
8. Minimum age — 35 years.
9. Must be a citizen of India.
10. Must be qualified for election as a Lok Sabha member.
11. Must not hold an office of profit.
12. President is elected indirectly.
13. Electoral college includes elected MPs of both Houses of Parliament.
14. Electoral college also includes elected MLAs of States, Delhi and Puducherry.
15. Nominated MPs do not vote in the Presidential election.
16. Presidential election uses proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
17. Voting is by secret ballot.
18. Article 61 — Impeachment of the President.
19. Impeachment is for violation of the Constitution.
20. President's resignation is addressed to the Vice-President.
21. Article 72 — President's pardoning power.
22. Article 123 — President's power to promulgate Ordinances.
23. President is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces.
24. President appoints the Prime Minister.
25. President appoints other Union Ministers on the Prime Minister's advice.
26. President appoints Governors of States.
27. President appoints the Attorney General of India.
28. President summons and prorogues Parliament.
29. President can dissolve the Lok Sabha.
30. Article 74 — Council of Ministers aids and advises the President.
Vice-President of India:
1. Article 63 — There shall be a Vice-President of India.
2. Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office in India.
3. Article 64 — Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
4. Article 65 — Vice-President acts as President in certain circumstances.
5. Term of office — 5 years.
6. Article 67 — Term of office of Vice-President.
7. Minimum age — 35 years.
8. Must be a citizen of India.
9. Must be qualified for election as a Rajya Sabha member.
10. Must not hold an office of profit.
11. Vice-President is elected indirectly.
12. Electoral college consists of members of both Houses of Parliament.
13. Nominated members of Parliament can vote in the Vice-Presidential election.
14. State MLAs do not participate in the Vice-Presidential election.
15. Election uses proportional representation by single transferable vote.
16. Voting is by secret ballot.
17. Vice-President's resignation is addressed to the President.
18. Vice-President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha, agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
19. The Constitution does not prescribe a formal impeachment procedure for the Vice-President.
20. Vice-President is not a member of the Rajya Sabha, but serves as its Chairman.
PRACTICE SET: MCQs WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Which of the following correctly describes the electoral college for the election of the President of India?
A. members of Parliament and all members of State Legislatures
B. Elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States, Delhi and Puducherry
C. Only elected members of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
D. Elected members of Parliament and nominated members of State Legislatures
Answer: B
Explanation: Under Article 54, the President is elected by elected members of both Houses of Parliament and elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States. Delhi and Puducherry are also included for this purpose. Nominated members do not participate.
2. Consider the following statements regarding the Presidential election:
1. Nominated members of Parliament can vote in the Presidential election.
2. Elected members of State Legislative Councils can vote in the Presidential election.
3. Elected MLAs of Delhi and Puducherry participate in the Presidential election.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B
Explanation: Nominated MPs and members of Legislative Councils do not vote. Elected MLAs of Delhi and Puducherry participate in the Presidential election.
3. The election of the President of India is conducted according to which combination?
A. Direct election + simple majority + open ballot
B. Proportional representation + single transferable vote + secret ballot
C. Proportional representation + list system + open ballot
D. Direct election + single transferable vote + secret ballot
Answer: B
Explanation: The President is elected indirectly through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, and voting is conducted by secret ballot.
4. Which Article of the Constitution specifically deals with the manner of election of the President?
A. Article 52
B. Article 54
C. Article 55
D. Article 56
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 55 deals with the manner of election of the President. Article 54 concerns the electoral college, while Article 56 deals with the term of office.
5. Which statement most accurately distinguishes the qualifications for the President and Vice-President?
A. President must qualify for Lok Sabha; Vice-President must qualify for Rajya Sabha
B. President must qualify for Rajya Sabha; Vice-President must qualify for Lok Sabha
C. Both must qualify for Lok Sabha
D. Both must qualify for Rajya Sabha
Answer: A
Explanation: Under Articles 58 and 66, the President must be qualified for election as a Lok Sabha member, whereas the Vice-President must be qualified for election as a Rajya Sabha member.
6. Which of the following is correct regarding the Vice-Presidential election?
A. Elected MPs alone constitute the electoral college.
B. Elected MPs and elected MLAs constitute the electoral college.
C. Members of both Houses of Parliament, including nominated members, constitute the electoral college.
D. Only elected members of the Lok Sabha constitute the electoral college.
Answer: C
Explanation: The Vice-President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament. Unlike the Presidential election, nominated members of Parliament can vote. State Legislative Assemblies have no role.
7. Which one of the following is the most important constitutional distinction between the Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections?
A. The President is elected by secret ballot, whereas the Vice-President is elected by open ballot.
B. State Legislative Assemblies participate in the Presidential election but not in the Vice-Presidential election.
C. The President requires a simple majority, whereas the Vice-President requires a two-thirds majority.
D. The Vice-President is directly elected by the people.
Answer: B
Explanation: The State Legislative Assemblies participate in electing the President, whereas the Vice-President is elected exclusively by members of Parliament.
8. The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of which House?
A. Lok Sabha
B. Rajya Sabha
C. Joint sitting of Parliament only
D. Legislative Council of the concerned State
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 64 makes the Vice-President the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. However, the Vice-President is not a member of the Rajya Sabha merely by virtue of holding this office.
9. The value of the vote of an elected MLA in the Presidential election is primarily based on:
A. Population of the State and number of elected MLAs
B. Area of the State and number of MPs
C. Number of districts in the State
D. Population alone
Answer: A
Explanation: The value of an MLA's vote is calculated with reference to the population of the State and the number of elected members of its Legislative Assembly, according to Article 55.
10. Consider the following statements about the Vice-President:
1. The Vice-President is a member of the Rajya Sabha.
2. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chair of the Rajya Sabha.
3. The Vice-President can act as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of President.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect. The Vice-President is not a member of either House of Parliament. Statements 2 and 3 are correct under Articles 64 and 65.
11. If the office of President becomes vacant because of death, resignation or removal, who acts as President until a new President assumes office?
A. Prime Minister
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Vice-President
D. Speaker of Lok Sabha
Answer: C
Explanation: Under Article 65, the Vice-President acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of President. A new President must be elected within the constitutionally prescribed period.
12. To whom does the President of India submit his resignation?
A. Prime Minister
B. Chief Justice of India
C. Speaker of Lok Sabha
D. Vice-President
Answer: D
Explanation: Under Article 56, the President addresses his resignation to the Vice-President.
13. To whom does the Vice-President submit his resignation?
A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Chairman of Rajya Sabha
D. Chief Justice of India
Answer: A
Explanation: Under Article 67, the Vice-President resigns by writing addressed to the President of India.
14. Which constitutional provision deals with the impeachment of the President?
A. Article 60
B. Article 61
C. Article 62
D. Article 63
Answer: B
Explanation: Article 61 provides the procedure for impeachment of the President for violation of the Constitution. The charge may be initiated by either House of Parliament, subject to the prescribed procedure and special majority requirements.
15. Which statement about the removal of the Vice-President is correct?
A. The Vice-President is impeached by both Houses through the same procedure as the President.
B. The Rajya Sabha passes a resolution for removal, which must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
C. The President can remove the Vice-President at any time.
D. The Supreme Court removes the Vice-President after an impeachment trial.
Answer: B
Explanation: Under Article 67(b), the Vice-President may be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha agreed to by the Lok Sabha. The Constitution does not provide an impeachment procedure for the Vice-President comparable to that for the President.
16. Which Article gives the President the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions in specified cases?
A. Article 72
B. Article 73
C. Article 74
D. Article 75
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 72 provides the President's pardoning power. It particularly extends to cases involving court-martial, offences against laws within the Union executive power, and death sentences.
17. The President's power to promulgate Ordinances when Parliament is not in session is provided under:
A. Article 111
B. Article 112
C. Article 123
D. Article 143
Answer: C
Explanation: Article 123 empowers the President to promulgate an Ordinance when both Houses of Parliament are not simultaneously in session, provided the constitutional conditions are satisfied.
18. Which of the following pairs is INCORRECT?
A. Article 52 — President of India
B. Article 63 — Vice-President of India
C. Article 64 — Vice-President as Chairman of Rajya Sabha
D. Article 65 — Impeachment of President
Answer: D
Explanation: Article 65 deals with the Vice-President acting as President or discharging the President's functions. Article 61, not Article 65, deals with impeachment of the President.
19. If a vacancy occurs in the office of President due to death, resignation or removal, the election of a new President must be held:
A. Within one month
B. Within three months
C. Within six months
D. Within one year
Answer: C
Explanation: Under Article 62(2), when a vacancy occurs otherwise than by expiration of the term, an election to fill the vacancy must be held within six months.
20. Which of the following combinations is completely correct?
A. President — Article 52 — Minimum age 35 — Lok Sabha qualification
B. Vice-President — Article 63 — Minimum age 30 — Lok Sabha qualification
C. President — Article 63 — Minimum age 35 — Rajya Sabha qualification
D. Vice-President — Article 52 — Minimum age 35 — Rajya Sabha qualification
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 52 establishes the office of the President. The President must be at least 35 years old and qualified for election to the Lok Sabha. The Vice-President is established under Article 63 and must be qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha.
President & Vice-President of India — Historical Context One-Liners
President of India:
1. The office of the President of India was created by the Constitution of India, 1950.
2. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950.
3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.
4. Rajendra Prasad was the only President to serve two full terms.
5. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was the second President of India.
6. Before becoming President, Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice-President of India.
7. Dr. Zakir Husain was the first Muslim to become President of India.
8. Zakir Husain was also the first President to die in office.
9. V. V. Giri became President after serving as Acting President following Zakir Husain's death.
10. V. V. Giri was the first independent candidate to win the Presidential election.
11. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was the second President to die while in office.
12. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was elected President unopposed in 1977.
13. Reddy was the sixth President of India.
14. Giani Zail Singh was the first Sikh to become President of India.
15. R. Venkataraman was the eighth President of India.
16. Shankar Dayal Sharma served as President from 1992 to 1997.
17. K. R. Narayanan was the first Dalit President of India.
18. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was popularly known as the “People's President.”
19. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was the first scientist to become President of India.
20. Pratibha Patil became the first woman President of India in 2007.
21. Pranab Mukherjee served as President from 2012 to 2017.
22. Ram Nath Kovind served as President from 2017 to 2022.
23. Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India in 2022.
24. Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal President of India.
25. Droupadi Murmu is also the second woman President of India.
Vice-President of India:
26. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan became the first Vice-President of India in 1952.
27. The first Vice-Presidential election was held in 1952.
28. The Vice-President's constitutional office is provided under Article 63.
29. The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
30. Dr. Zakir Husain succeeded Radhakrishnan as Vice-President.
31. V. V. Giri became Vice-President in 1967.
32. V. V. Giri resigned as Vice-President in 1969 to contest the Presidential election.
33. Gopal Swarup Pathak was the fourth Vice-President of India.
35. B. D. Jatti served as Vice-President from 1974 to 1979.
36. M. Hidayatullah served as Vice-President from 1979 to 1984.
37. R. Venkataraman was the first Vice-President to subsequently become President after serving as Vice-President in the 1980s.
38. Shankar Dayal Sharma also served as Vice-President before becoming President.
39. K. R. Narayanan served as Vice-President before becoming President.
40. Krishan Kant served as Vice-President from 1997 to 2002.
PRACTICE SET: MCQS WITH EXPLANATIONS
1. Which sequence correctly represents the first three Presidents of India?
A. Rajendra Prasad → S. Radhakrishnan → Zakir Husain
B. Rajendra Prasad → Zakir Husain → S. Radhakrishnan
C. S. Radhakrishnan → Rajendra Prasad → Zakir Husain
D. Rajendra Prasad → V. V. Giri → Zakir Husain
Answer: A
Explanation: The correct chronological sequence is Dr. Rajendra Prasad (1950–1962) → Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1962–1967) → Dr. Zakir Husain (1967–1969).
2. Who was the first President of India to die while holding office?
A. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
B. Dr. Zakir Husain
C. V. V. Giri
D. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. Zakir Husain died in office on 3 May 1969. He was India's third President. His death resulted in V. V. Giri, then Vice-President, becoming Acting President.
3. Who served as Acting President of India after V. V. Giri resigned as Vice-President in 1969?
A. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
B. Justice M. Hidayatullah
C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
D. Giani Zail Singh
Answer: B
Explanation: After V. V. Giri resigned as Vice-President, Chief Justice M. Hidayatullah served as Acting President from 20 July to 24 August 1969, until V. V. Giri was elected President.
4. Which President was elected unopposed in the history of the Indian Republic?
A. V. V. Giri
B. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
C. R. Venkataraman
D. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
Answer: B
Explanation: Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was elected President in 1977 without contest. He became the sixth President of India and served from 1977 to 1982.
5. Which President was the first woman to hold the highest constitutional office of India?
A. Droupadi Murmu
B. Indira Gandhi
C. Pratibha Patil
D. Sarojini Naidu
Answer: C
Explanation: Pratibha Patil became India's first woman President in 2007. She served from 2007 to 2012.
6. Which statement about Droupadi Murmu is historically correct?
A. She was India's first woman President.
B. She was India's first Vice-President.
C. She became India's first tribal President in 2022.
D. She was the first President elected from West Bengal.
Answer: C
Explanation: Droupadi Murmu became the 15th President of India in 2022 and is widely recognized as India's first tribal President and second woman President.
7. Which President was popularly called the “People's President”?
A. R. Venkataraman
B. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
C. K. R. Narayanan
D. Pranab Mukherjee
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, a renowned aerospace scientist, served as President from 2002 to 2007. His strong connection with students and young people earned him the popular title “People's President.”
8. Which President was the first Dalit to hold the office of President of India?
A. B. D. Jatti
B. K. R. Narayanan
C. Ram Nath Kovind
D. Jagjivan Ram
Answer: B
Explanation: K. R. Narayanan, who served as President from 1997 to 2002, was the first Dalit President of India. He had earlier served as Vice-President.
9. Which of the following correctly identifies a President who had previously served as Vice-President?
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. S. Radhakrishnan
C. Zakir Husain
D. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
Answer: B
Explanation: S. Radhakrishnan served as Vice-President from 1952 to 1962 and then became President from 1962 to 1967.
10. Which sequence correctly represents the first President, first Vice-President, first woman President and first tribal President of India?
A. Rajendra Prasad — S. Radhakrishnan — Pratibha Patil — Droupadi Murmu
B. S. Radhakrishnan — Rajendra Prasad — Pratibha Patil — Droupadi Murmu
C. Rajendra Prasad — Zakir Husain — Pratibha Patil — Droupadi Murmu
D. Rajendra Prasad — S. Radhakrishnan — Droupadi Murmu — Pratibha Patil
Answer: A
Explanation: The correct historical sequence is Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first President) → Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (first Vice-President) → Pratibha Patil (first woman President) → Droupadi Murmu (first tribal President).
11. Which of the following historical pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?
A. Pratibha Patil — First woman President
B. K. R. Narayanan — First Dalit President
C. Droupadi Murmu — First tribal President
D. Giani Zail Singh — First Muslim President
Answer: D
Explanation: Giani Zail Singh was India's first Sikh President. Dr. Zakir Husain was the first Muslim President.
12. Who among the following became Vice-President after serving as Governor of West Bengal and later became President?
A. K. R. Narayanan
B. Shankar Dayal Sharma
C. R. Venkataraman
D. Zakir Husain
Answer: A
Explanation: K. R. Narayanan served as Vice-President from 1992 to 1997 and then became President from 1997 to 2002. He had also served as Governor of West Bengal.
13. Who among the following was the first Vice-President to resign from office in order to contest the Presidential election?
A. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
B. Dr. Zakir Husain
C. V. V. Giri
D. B. D. Jatti
Answer: C
Explanation: V. V. Giri resigned as Vice-President in July 1969 to contest the Presidential election as an independent candidate following the death of President Zakir Husain.
14. The Presidential election of 1969 is particularly remembered for which political development?
A. The President was elected unanimously.
B. The ruling party's official candidate was defeated.
C. The election was conducted by direct popular vote.
D. The President was nominated by Parliament.
Answer: B
Explanation: In the 1969 Presidential election, V. V. Giri defeated the Congress-backed official candidate N. Sanjiva Reddy. The election became a major political turning point in the history of the Congress party.
15. Who was the official Congress candidate defeated by V. V. Giri in the 1969 Presidential election?
A. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
B. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
C. Shankar Dayal Sharma
D. K. R. Narayanan
Answer: B
Explanation: N. Sanjiva Reddy was the official Congress candidate in 1969. V. V. Giri contested as an independent and won the election.
16. Which President's tenure was associated with the proclamation of the Emergency in 1975?
A. V. V. Giri
B. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
D. Giani Zail Singh
Answer: B
Explanation: President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued the proclamation of National Emergency on 25 June 1975 under Article 352, on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
17. Which President was in office when the Emergency of 1975 ended?
A. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
B. B. D. Jatti
C. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
D. Giani Zail Singh
Answer: C
Explanation: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed died in 1977. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy became President later that year and served during the post-Emergency political transition.
18. Which President was the first to be elected without facing an opponent?
A. Rajendra Prasad
B. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
C. V. V. Giri
D. R. Venkataraman
Answer: B
Explanation: Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was elected President unopposed in 1977 after all other candidates withdrew or were disqualified.
19. Which President served during the transition from the Janata Party government to Indira Gandhi's return to power in 1980?
A. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
B. Giani Zail Singh
C. R. Venkataraman
D. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Answer: A
Explanation: Reddy served as President from 1977 to 1982, a politically turbulent period that included the Janata government and Indira Gandhi's return as Prime Minister in 1980.
20. Which President served during the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984?
A. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
B. Giani Zail Singh
C. R. Venkataraman
D. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Answer: B
Explanation: Giani Zail Singh was President when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984. Rajiv Gandhi subsequently became Prime Minister.
21. Which former Vice-President became President and served during the period of economic liberalisation initiated in 1991?
A. R. Venkataraman
B. Shankar Dayal Sharma
C. K. R. Narayanan
D. S. Radhakrishnan
Answer: A
Explanation: R. Venkataraman, who had earlier served as Vice-President, was President from 1987 to 1992. His tenure included the major political and economic changes surrounding the 1991 economic reforms.
22. Which President was a renowned aerospace scientist before entering Rashtrapati Bhavan?
A. Pranab Mukherjee
B. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
C. R. Venkataraman
D. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Answer: B
Explanation: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a leading aerospace scientist associated with India's space and missile programmes. He served as President from 2002 to 2007.
***23. Who was the first woman to be elected Vice-President of India?
A. Pratibha Patil
B. Sucheta Kriplani
C. No woman has yet served as Vice-President of India
D. Sarojini Naidu
Answer: C
Explanation: No woman has yet served as Vice-President of India. This is an important exam fact because India has had a woman President, but no woman Vice-President so far.
24. Which of the following pairs correctly represents the chronological order?
A. Pratibha Patil → A. P. J. Abdul Kalam → Ram Nath Kovind
B. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam → Pratibha Patil → Pranab Mukherjee
C. Pranab Mukherjee → A. P. J. Abdul Kalam → Pratibha Patil
D. Ram Nath Kovind → Pranab Mukherjee → Droupadi Murmu
Answer: B
Explanation: The correct order is A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (2002–2007) → Pratibha Patil (2007–2012) → Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017).
25. Which sequence correctly represents the most recent three Presidents up to 2026?
A. Pranab Mukherjee → Ram Nath Kovind → Droupadi Murmu
B. Ram Nath Kovind → Pranab Mukherjee → Droupadi Murmu
C. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam → Ram Nath Kovind → Droupadi Murmu
D. Pratibha Patil → Pranab Mukherjee → Ram Nath Kovind
Answer: A
Explanation: Pranab Mukherjee (2012–2017) was followed by Ram Nath Kovind (2017–2022), who was followed by Droupadi Murmu (2022–present).
***HISTORICAL TIMELINE — ONE-LINER FACTS REVISION***
1950 → Rajendra Prasad becomes first President
1952 → S. Radhakrishnan becomes first Vice-President
1962 → Radhakrishnan becomes President
1967 → Zakir Husain becomes President
1969 → Zakir Husain dies; V. V. Giri becomes Acting President; historic Presidential election
1977 → Neelam Sanjiva Reddy elected unopposed
1982 → Giani Zail Singh becomes first Sikh President
1997 → K. R. Narayanan becomes first Dalit President
2002 → A. P. J. Abdul Kalam becomes President
2007 → Pratibha Patil becomes first woman President
2012 → Pranab Mukherjee becomes President
2017 → Ram Nath Kovind becomes President
2022 → Droupadi Murmu becomes first tribal President and 15th President
***FINAL HISTORICAL REVISION***
1. First President: Rajendra Prasad
2. First Vice-President: S. Radhakrishnan
3. First President to die in office: Zakir Husain
4. Second President to die in office: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed
5. First independent candidate to win Presidency: V. V. Giri
6. President elected unopposed: Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
7. First Sikh President: Giani Zail Singh
8. First Dalit President: K. R. Narayanan
9. People's President: A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
10. First woman President: Pratibha Patil
11. First tribal President: Droupadi Murmu
12. Vice-President for two consecutive terms: M. Hamid Ansari
13. Important year: 1969 — historic V. V. Giri Presidential election
14. Important year: 2007 — Pratibha Patil became India's first woman President
15. Important year: 2022 — Droupadi Murmu became India's 15th President
***MEMORISE THE ARTICLE NUMBERS AS PAIRS***
* Article 52 → President
* Article 54 → Election of President
* Article 55 → Manner of Presidential election
* Article 56 → President's term
* Article 58 → President's qualifications
* Article 61 → Impeachment of President
* Article 62 → Vacancy in President's office
* Article 63 → Vice-President
* Article 64 → Vice-President = Rajya Sabha Chairman
* Article 65 → Vice-President acts as President
* Article 66 → Election of Vice-President
* Article 67 → Vice-President's term/removal
* Article 72 → President's pardoning power
* Article 123 → President's Ordinance power
***EXAM TIPS: High-Probability MCQ Areas: For WBCS/UGC NET/SET/UPSC, focus especially on***
* Article numbers
* Electoral college
* Elected vs nominated members
* President vs Vice-President election
* Qualifications
* Term and resignation
* Impeachment/removal
* Acting President
* Pardoning power
* Ordinance power
* Historical firsts
* 1969 Presidential election
* President–Vice-President succession
* Rajya Sabha Chairmanship
* Constitutional vs real executive