📘 PRESIDENT OF INDIA – Notes
1. Introduction
The President of India is the Head of the State and the first citizen of India.
He/She acts as the constitutional head, while real executive power lies with the Council of
Ministers.
The office of the President is established under Article 52 of the Constitution.
2. Election of the President
(a) Electoral College (Article 54)
The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of:
1. Elected members of Lok Sabha
2. Elected members of Rajya Sabha
3. Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
4. Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories (Delhi & Puducherry)
Nominated members do NOT vote.
3. Qualifications (Article 58)
A person must:
● Be a citizen of India
● Have completed 35 years of age
● Be qualified to be a member of Lok Sabha
● Not hold any office of profit
4. Term & Oath
● Term: 5 years
● Can be re-elected (no limit)
, ● Oath administered by Chief Justice of India
5. Vacancy in Office (Article 62)
Office becomes vacant due to:
● Expiry of term
● Resignation
● Removal by impeachment
● Death
● Other disqualification
Vice President acts as President during vacancy.
6. Powers of the President
(1) Executive Powers
● Appoints:
○ Prime Minister
○ Council of Ministers
○ Governors
○ Attorney General
○ CAG
○ Chief Election Commissioner
○ Judges of Supreme Court & High Courts
○ Chief of Army, Navy, Air Force
● Administers Union Territories
(2) Legislative Powers
● Summons & prorogues Parliament
● Addresses first session of Parliament
● Gives assent to bills
● Can issue Ordinances (Article 123) when Parliament is not in session
● Nominates:
○ 12 members to Rajya Sabha
○ 2 members to Lok Sabha (Anglo-Indian—now abolished in 2020)
1. Introduction
The President of India is the Head of the State and the first citizen of India.
He/She acts as the constitutional head, while real executive power lies with the Council of
Ministers.
The office of the President is established under Article 52 of the Constitution.
2. Election of the President
(a) Electoral College (Article 54)
The President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of:
1. Elected members of Lok Sabha
2. Elected members of Rajya Sabha
3. Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies
4. Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of Union Territories (Delhi & Puducherry)
Nominated members do NOT vote.
3. Qualifications (Article 58)
A person must:
● Be a citizen of India
● Have completed 35 years of age
● Be qualified to be a member of Lok Sabha
● Not hold any office of profit
4. Term & Oath
● Term: 5 years
● Can be re-elected (no limit)
, ● Oath administered by Chief Justice of India
5. Vacancy in Office (Article 62)
Office becomes vacant due to:
● Expiry of term
● Resignation
● Removal by impeachment
● Death
● Other disqualification
Vice President acts as President during vacancy.
6. Powers of the President
(1) Executive Powers
● Appoints:
○ Prime Minister
○ Council of Ministers
○ Governors
○ Attorney General
○ CAG
○ Chief Election Commissioner
○ Judges of Supreme Court & High Courts
○ Chief of Army, Navy, Air Force
● Administers Union Territories
(2) Legislative Powers
● Summons & prorogues Parliament
● Addresses first session of Parliament
● Gives assent to bills
● Can issue Ordinances (Article 123) when Parliament is not in session
● Nominates:
○ 12 members to Rajya Sabha
○ 2 members to Lok Sabha (Anglo-Indian—now abolished in 2020)
