Below is a detailed List of Prime Ministers of India from 1947-2025 along with their tenure and key contributions. From Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision for a modern India to Narendra Modi’s digital and economic transformation, each leader has played a significant role in nation-building. India ’s head of state is the president, whose powers are largely nominal and ceremonial. Effective executive power rests with the Council of Ministers, headed by the prime minister, who is chosen by the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) and is formally appointed by the president. This is a chronologically ordered list of the prime ministers, from the earliest to the most recent. [Test your knowledge of India’s prime ministers with this quiz.] The prime minister is appointed by the president of India; however, the prime minister has to enjoy the confidence of the majority of Lok Sabha members, who are directly elected every five years, unless a prime minister resigns. Since India gained independence in 1947, there have been 15 individuals who have held the position of Prime Minister. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister, serving from August 15, 1947, until January 26, 1950. Below is the comprehensive list of the Prime Ministers of India from 1947 to 2025.
