Vice Presidents of India:- The Vice Presidents of India holds the second-highest constitutional position in the Government of India and serves as the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The election of the Vice President involves members of the electoral committee, comprising both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. Unlike the Presidential election, the state legislature does not have a role in electing the Vice President.
Throughout history, the office has been held by many distinguished individuals. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first to assume the role, serving from May 13, 1952, to May 12, 1957. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, with two consecutive terms from August 11, 2007, to August 11, 2017, holds the record for the longest tenure. The immediate predecessor to the current Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, was Venkaiah Naidu, who served from August 11, 2017, to August 11, 2022, during the Presidency of Ram Nath Kovind.
List of Vice Presidents of India
The Vice Presidents of India holds a key constitutional role, being the second-highest office in the country and acting as the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Throughout India’s history, several eminent personalities have served in this prestigious position. Below is a List of Vice Presidents of India:-
| List of Vice Presidents of India | From | To |
| Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | 13 May 1952 | 12 May 1957 |
| 13 May 1957 | 12 May 1962 | |
| Zakir Hussain | 13 May 1962 | 12 May 1967 |
| V.V. Giri | 13 May 1967 | 3 May 1969 |
| Gopal Swarup Pathak | 31 August 1969 | 30 August 1974 |
| B.D. Jatti | 31 August 1974 | 30 August 1979 |
| Mohammad Hidayatullah | 31 August 1979 | 30 August 1984 |
| R. Venkataraman | 31 August 1984 | 24 July 1992 |
| Shankar Dayal Sharma | 3 September 1987 | 24 July 1992 |
| K.R. Narayanan | 21 August 1992 | 24 July 1997 |
| Krishan Kant | 21 August 1997 | 27 July 2002 |
| Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | 19 August 2002 | 21 July 2007 |
| Mohammad Hamid Ansari | 11 August 2007 | 11 August 2012 |
| 11 August 2012 | 11 August 2017 | |
| Venkaiah Naidu | 11 August 2017 | 10 August 2022 |
| Jagdeep Dhankhar | 11 August 2022 | Incumbent |
Vice Presidents of India: Important Facts
- Constitutional Role: The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India and serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Election Process: The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Unlike the Presidential election, state legislatures are not involved.
- Term of Office: The Vice President serves for a term of five years but can remain in office until their successor takes over.
- First Vice President: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an eminent philosopher, and statesman, became the first Vice Presidents of India, serving from May 13, 1952, to May 12, 1957.
- Longest Serving Vice President: Mohammad Hamid Ansari holds the record for the longest tenure, having served two consecutive terms from August 11, 2007, to August 11, 2017.
- Dual Role: The Vice President steps in as the acting President in case of the absence, resignation, or death of the President until a new President is elected.
- Current Vice President: Jagdeep Dhankhar has been serving as the Vice Presidents of India since August 11, 2022.
- Unique Position: The Vice President does not have any formal functions in the executive branch but has a crucial legislative role as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha, maintaining order and discipline during debates.
- Historical Figures: Some Vice Presidents later became Presidents of India, including Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Hussain, and R. Venkataraman.
Also, read about the Chief Minister of India.
Vice Presidents of India: Qualification
The Vice Presidents of India must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 35 years of age.
- Must be eligible for membership in the Rajya Sabha.
- Upon election, the Vice President cannot be a sitting member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Must not hold any office of profit at the time of election.
Current Vice President of India
Jagdeep Dhankhar is India’s current Vice President, stepping into the role on August 11, 2022. With a background in law and a long career in public service, he’s known for his straightforward approach and dedication. Before becoming Vice President, he served as the Governor of West Bengal. Now, he plays an important role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, ensuring smooth functioning of parliamentary sessions. Following Venkaiah Naidu, Dhankhar brings his own style and experience to the position, contributing significantly to the country’s leadership.
