List of Vice Presidents of India (1950-2026): Names,Tenure & Achievements

Becoming the Vice President of India is not just about holding a title; it is about serving as the second-highest constitutional authority in the world’s largest democracy. Whether you are a student preparing for competitive exams like UPSC and SSC, or simply a curious citizen, knowing who has led this office is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we bring you the updated List of Vice Presidents of India from 1950 to 2026, along with fascinating facts about their roles, salaries, and historical “firsts.”

Who is the Vice President of India?

The Vice President of India (VPI) is the second-most powerful person in the Indian government, following the President. According to Article 63 of the Constitution, there shall always be a Vice President.

One of their most important roles is serving as the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House of Parliament). This means they lead the sessions of the Rajya Sabha, similar to how the Speaker leads the Lok Sabha.

Complete List of Vice Presidents of India (1950 – 2026)

The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office in the country, serving as a vital pillar of democracy who acts as the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and steps in to lead the nation whenever the Presidency falls vacant.

Here is the updated list including the current incumbent as of 2026.

1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952–1962)

• Background: A world-renowned philosopher and academic.
• Key Achievements:
  • Educational Reform: Chaired the University Education Commission (1948) which laid the foundation for the modern Indian education system.
  • Global Statesman: Served as India’s Ambassador to the Soviet Union and as the President of UNESCO.
  • Legacy: His birthday (September 5) is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954.

2. Dr. Zakir Hussain (1962–1967)

• Background: An economist and educationist.
• Key Achievements:
  • Jamia Millia Islamia: Co-founded and served as Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, nurturing it into a premier national institution.
  • Nai Talim: At Gandhi’s request, he led the National Committee on Basic Education to design a work-centered curriculum for schools.
  • State Leadership: Served as the Governor of Bihar before his election as Vice President.

3. V. V. Giri (1967–1969)

• Background: A prominent labor leader and lawyer.
• Key Achievements:
  • Labor Rights: Known for his significant work in organizing the labor movement and serving as the Union Minister for Labour.
  • First Acting President: Stepped up as Acting President following the death of Dr. Zakir Hussain.

4. Gopal Swarup Pathak (1969–1974)

• Background: A distinguished legal expert and judge.
• Key Achievements:
  • Legal Legacy: Served as a Judge in the Allahabad High Court and was the Union Law Minister.
  • Diplomacy: Represented India in several international legal forums and served as the Governor of Mysore (now Karnataka).

5. B. D. Jatti (1974–1979)

• Background: A soft-spoken leader from Karnataka who rose from local politics.
• Key Achievements:
  • Administrative Stability: Served as Acting President during the critical period after President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed’s death.
  • State Service: He previously held positions as the Chief Minister of Mysore and Governor of Odisha.

6. Justice M. Hidayatullah (1979–1984)

• Background: The only person to have served as Chief Justice, Vice President, and Acting President.
• Key Achievements:
  • Constitutional Integrity: He was elected unopposed as Vice President, reflecting his immense legal respect.
  • Judicial Milestone: He played a pivotal role in interpreting the Indian Constitution during his time on the bench.

7. R. Venkataraman (1984–1987)

• Background: A lawyer, independence activist, and union leader.
• Key Achievements:
  • Economic Strategy: Before becoming VPI, he served as the Union Minister of Finance and Defence, playing a key role in India’s industrial planning.
  • UN Experience: Served as a member of the United Nations Administrative Tribunal for over two decades.

8. Dr. Shanker Dayal Sharma (1987–1992)

• Background: A legal scholar and freedom fighter.
• Key Achievements:
  • Parliamentary Decorum: Known for his vast knowledge of parliamentary rules, he maintained high standards in the Rajya Sabha.
  • Academic Excellence: Held law degrees from Cambridge and Harvard.

9. K. R. Narayanan (1992–1997)

• Background: A career diplomat and scholar.
• Key Achievements:
  • Foreign Policy: Served as Ambassador to China, USA, and UK, helping bridge diplomatic gaps during the Cold War.
  • Social Reform: As the first Dalit Vice President (and later President), he was a powerful voice for the marginalized sections of society.

10. Krishan Kant (1997–2002)

• Background: An activist known for his role in the “Quit India” movement.
• Key Achievements:
  • Vigilance against Corruption: He was a strong advocate for electoral reforms and transparency in public life.
  • Nuclear Science: He was involved in India’s early nuclear energy planning as a scientist.

11. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2002–2007)

• Background: Known as the “Lion of Rajasthan.”
• Key Achievements:
  • Grassroots Welfare: Initiated the Antyodaya Scheme in Rajasthan, which focused on the “poorest of the poor” a model later adopted nationally.
  • Political Bipartisanship: Despite strong party roots, he was respected by all political factions in the Rajya Sabha.

12. Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007–2017)

• Background: A high-ranking diplomat.
• Key Achievements:
  • Record Tenure: Only the second person after Radhakrishnan to serve two full terms (10 years).
  • Minority Welfare: Authored several reports and books focusing on the challenges of minorities in India.

13. M. Venkaiah Naidu (2017–2022)

• Background: A veteran political leader focused on rural development.
• Key Achievements:
  • Rajya Sabha Modernization: Digitized the house proceedings and pushed for high productivity, often achieving record sessions.
  • Rural Connectivity: Championed the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) during his time as a Union Minister.

14. Jagdeep Dhankhar (2022–2025)

• Background: A senior Supreme Court advocate and former Governor.
• Key Achievements:
  • Strict Neutrality: Focused on ensuring the Rajya Sabha functioned without frequent disruptions, emphasizing “discipline and decorum.”
  • Legal Insight: Frequently used his legal expertise to guide the house on complex constitutional matters.

15. Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan (2025–Present)

• Background: A grassroots leader from Tamil Nadu and former Governor.
• Key Achievements (to date):
  • Industrial Growth: As Chairman of the Coir Board, he pushed exports to record highs.
  • Tribal Welfare: While Governor of Jharkhand and Maharashtra, he launched massive outreach programs for tribal education.
  • Current Focus: Actively promoting the “Linking of Rivers” project and a Uniform Civil Code.

List of Presidents of India 1950-2026

The President of India serves as the Head of State, the first citizen, and the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces, representing the unity and integrity of the nation as the highest constitutional authority.

“The Firsts” – Quick Facts for General Knowledge

• Vice President of India First: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952).
• First to become President: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
• First to die in office: Krishan Kant.
• First from the Judiciary: Justice M. Hidayatullah.
• First to serve as Acting President: V. V. Giri.

What is the Vice President of India’s Salary?

A very interesting fact about this position is that the Vice President does not receive a salary for being the Vice President. Instead, they receive a salary in their capacity as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

• Monthly Salary: ₹4,00,000 (4 Lakh Rupees) + Dearness Allowance (DA)
• Retirement Pension: 50% of the last drawn salary (approx. ₹2 Lakh per month).
• Perks & Benefits: * Free furnished residence (Vice President’s Enclave, New Delhi).
  • Z+ Category Security.
  • Free medical care and travel (train and air).
  • Dedicated personal staff and secretarial assistance.

How is the Vice President Elected?

The Vice President is not elected directly by the people. Instead, they are chosen by an Electoral College consisting of:

1. All elected members of the Lok Sabha.
2. All elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must be at least 35 years of age.
• Must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
• Must not hold any “office of profit” under the government.

Authors Message:-

Finding a complete and updated List of Vice Presidents of India can often feel overwhelming with so many dates and names. That’s why I’ve done the heavy lifting for you! I’ve analyzed top resources and official records to create this fresh, conversational guide for 2026. My aim is to help you master these facts quickly and effectively. If you find this helpful, feel free to share it with your fellow aspirants!”

Read More:-

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Conclusion

From Dr. Radhakrishnan to Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, the office of the Vice President has been graced by scholars, judges, and seasoned politicians. This list of Vice Presidents of India reflects the diverse political and social history of our nation.

Pro Tip for Aspirants: Remember the names of the 6 Vice Presidents who later became Presidents (Radhakrishnan, Zakir Hussain, V.V. Giri, R. Venkataraman, S.D. Sharma, and K.R. Narayanan) – this is a very common question in exams!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)