List of Vice-President of India 1952-2025, Term of Office, Qualification

Since 1952, India has had many leaders serve as Vice President, from Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan to C. P. Radhakrishnan in 2025. The Vice President’s term is five years, and they can be re-elected. To become Vice President, a person must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, eligible to be a Rajya Sabha member, and must not hold any government job. This ensures the Vice President can perform their duties properly. The List of Vice Presidents of India has been shared below in the article.

Who is the Current Vice-President of India?

The current Vice President of India is C. P. Radhakrishnan. He took charge on 12th September 2025, after Jagdeep Dhankhar. Radhakrishnan is a senior BJP leader and has also worked as a Governor before becoming Vice President. In this role, he looks after the Rajya Sabha and helps in the smooth running of Parliament.

Also Read: Vice President of India

Vice-President of India: Qualifications

To become the Vice President of India, a candidate must fulfill certain constitutional requirements. These qualifications ensure that the person is eligible to hold such a high office. The main conditions are:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must be at least 35 years of age.
• Must be qualified to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or a State Government.

Vice-President of India: Term of Office

The Vice President of India holds office for a period of five years from the date of assuming charge. However, they can continue in office beyond this term until their successor is elected and takes over. The Vice President is also eligible for re-election and can serve more than one term if elected again.

List of Vice-Presidents of India (1952-2025)

Since the adoption of the Constitution in 1952, India has had a series of distinguished leaders as Vice Presidents. From Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President, to C. P. Radhakrishnan, the present one in 2025, each has played an important role in shaping Indian democracy. The list reflects the nation’s rich political and constitutional journey over the decades.

Importance of Vice-President in Indian Democracy

The Vice President of India holds a very important place in the country’s democratic system. Apart from being the second-highest constitutional authority, the Vice President ensures stability and smooth functioning of Parliament. The role also becomes crucial during times of transition or crisis.

• Acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and maintains order in the House.
• Serves as the acting President in the absence or vacancy of the President.
• Strengthens constitutional balance between the legislature and the executive.
• Represents the spirit of unity and continuity in Indian democracy.

Vice-President of India: Key Facts

• The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional authority in India after the President.
• The office of Vice President is mentioned in Article 63 of the Indian Constitution.
• The Vice President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament through a secret ballot and proportional representation.
• The Vice President’s term of office is 5 years, but they can be re-elected.
• The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• To be eligible, a candidate must be 35 years old, a citizen of India, and qualified to be a Rajya Sabha member.
• The Vice President cannot hold any office of profit under the Union or State Government.
• In case of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President acts as the President of India until a new President is elected.
• First Vice President of India – Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952–1962).
• Current Vice President of India (2025) – C. P. Radhakrishnan.

Articles Related to the Vice President of India

The Indian Constitution provides clear guidance on the role, election, powers, and duties of the Vice President. The key articles are:

Article 63 – The Vice President of India

• Establishes the office of the Vice President of India.
• States that there shall be a Vice President who will serve as the second-highest constitutional authority in India.

Article 64 – Role as Ex-Officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha

• The Vice President acts as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament.
• Presides over the sessions and ensures the orderly conduct of debates.

Article 65 – Acting President

• In case of absence, resignation, removal, or death of the President, the Vice President acts as the President of India.
• Ensures continuity in governance until a new President is elected.

Article 66 – Election of the Vice President

• Defines the electoral process for the Vice President.
• Elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament using proportional representation by single transferable vote.
• The election is conducted by secret ballot.

Article 67 – Term of Office

• The Vice President holds office for five years from the date of assuming charge.
• Eligible for re-election.
• May continue in office beyond term until a successor is duly elected.

Article 68 – Time of Holding Elections

• Specifies that elections for a new Vice President must be held before the term of the current Vice President expires.
• Ensures there is no vacancy in the office.

Article 69 – Oath or Affirmation

• Requires the Vice President to take an oath or affirmation before entering office.
• Administered by the President of India.

Article 70 – Discharge of President’s Functions in Other Contingencies

• The Vice President may discharge the functions of the President in other contingencies as provided by law.
• Acts as a constitutional safeguard to maintain smooth governance.