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President of India - Election, Powers and Functions for UPSC

Polity Upsc Notes • Dec 13, 2025 • 5 min read

Who is the President of India? The President is the Head of the State and the first citizen of India. He acts as the symbol of unity, integrity, and solidarity of the nation. Articles 52 to 78 in Part V of the Constitution deal with the Union Executive, of which the President is the head.

Election of President

The President is elected not directly by the people but by an Electoral College consisting of:

  • Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (MPs).
  • Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of States (MLAs).
  • Elected members of Legislative Assemblies of UTs of Delhi and Puducherry.

Note: Nominated members do not participate in the election.

Method: System of Proportional Representation by means of Single Transferable Vote (Secret Ballot).

Qualifications and Oath

Qualifications 1. Citizen of India.
2. Completed 35 years of age.
3. Qualified for election as a member of Lok Sabha.
4. Should not hold any office of profit.
Oath Administered by the Chief Justice of India (or senior-most judge of SC). Swears to faithfuly execute office and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
Term 5 years. Eligible for re-election any number of times.

Impeachment Procedure (Article 61)

The President can be removed from office for "Violation of the Constitution".

  1. Impeachment charges can be initiated by either House of Parliament.
  2. Charges must be signed by 1/4th members of the House and 14 days' notice given.
  3. Resolution must be passed by a majority of 2/3rds of the total membership of that House.
  4. Sent to the other House which investigates the charges.
  5. If the other House also passes it by 2/3rd total membership, the President stands removed.

(Note: Nominated members participate in impeachment though they don't in election.)

Powers of the President

Legislative Powers

  • Summon and prorogue Parliament; dissolve Lok Sabha.
  • Address Parliament at the first session after each general election.
  • Veto Power: Withhold assent to bills (Absolute, Suspensive, Pocket Veto).
  • Ordinance Making (Article 123): Can promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.

Executive Powers

  • All executive actions are taken in his name.
  • Appoints PM, Ministers, Governors, CJI, Judges, CAG, CEC, UPSC Chairman, etc.

Financial and Judicial Powers

  • Money bills require his prior recommendation.
  • Pardoning Power (Article 72): Can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, and remissions of punishment, or suspend, remit, and commute sentences (including death sentence and court martial).

Comparison with US President

  • US President: Real executive power. Directly elected (virtually). Term 4 years (max 2 terms).
  • Indian President: Nominal executive (Head of State, not Govt). Indirectly elected. Term 5 years (no term limit).

UPSC Previous Year Questions (Selected)

Q1. Who among the following is NOT part of the electoral college for the election of the President? (Prelims)

A. Elected members of Lok Sabha
B. Elected members of Rajya Sabha
C. Elected members of State Legislative Council
D. Elected members of State Legislative Assembly

Answer: C. Members of State Legislative Councils (MLCs) do not participate.

Q2. Under which Article can the President promulgate Ordinances? (Prelims)

A. Article 123
B. Article 143
C. Article 111
D. Article 72

Answer: A. Article 123.

Practice MCQs

  1. The impeachment of the President can be initiated in:
    A. Lok Sabha only
    B. Rajya Sabha only
    C. Either House of Parliament
    D. Joint Sitting
  2. The President submits his resignation to:
    A. Chief Justice of India
    B. Prime Minister
    C. Vice President
    D. Speaker of Lok Sabha
  3. Who administers the oath of office to the President?
    A. Vice President
    B. Speaker
    C. Prime Minister
    D. Chief Justice of India
  4. Which veto power is NOT possessed by the Indian President?
    A. Absolute Veto
    B. Suspensive Veto
    C. Pocket Veto
    D. Qualified Veto
  5. Disputes regarding the election of the President are decided by:
    A. Election Commission
    B. Parliament
    C. Supreme Court
    D. Vice President
View Answer Key

1. C | 2. C | 3. D | 4. D | 5. C

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to become President?

35 years.

Can a naturalized citizen become President?

Yes, in India, a citizen by birth or naturalization can become President. (In the US, only citizens by birth can).

What happens if the office of President is vacant?

The Vice President acts as President. If VP is also vacant, the CJI acts as President. Election must be held within 6 months.

Is the President bound by the advise of the Council of Ministers?

Yes. The 42nd and 44th Amendments made it binding for the President to act on the aid and advise of the Council of Ministers headed by the PM.

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