Part V - The Union • Article

Article 57 Simplified: Eligibility for re-election

Article 57 states that a person who is currently the President of India, or has been the President in the past, is eligible to run for election and serve as President again. There is no term limit for the presidency in India.

Official Text

A person who holds, or who has held, office as President shall, subject to the other provisions of this Constitution, be eligible for re-election to that office.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This article says that once a President finishes their 5 years, they are allowed to stand in the election and be President again. There is no rule stopping them from doing it multiple times, as long as they win the vote.

Student Mode

Declares that a person who holds, or has held, the office of President is eligible for re-election to that office, subject to other constitutional provisions. Unlike the United States (where the 22nd Amendment limits a president to two terms), India has no constitutional cap on the number of terms a President can serve.

Example

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, was re-elected under Article 57 and served two terms from 1950 to 1962.

Key Takeaway

Unlike some countries with strict term limits (like the US), India allows a President to be elected multiple times.

FAQs

How many terms can a President of India serve?

There is no constitutional limit. A person can be re-elected as President of India any number of times.

Has any Indian President been elected more than once?

Yes. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, is the only President so far to have served two full terms (1950–1962).

How does India's term limit compare to the USA?

In the USA, a President is limited to two terms by the 22nd Amendment. In India, Article 57 explicitly allows unlimited re-elections.

Quiz

How many terms can a person serve as the President of India?

Answer: No limit on terms

Who is the only President of India to be elected for two terms?

Answer: Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Which article of the Constitution permits the President to stand for re-election?

Answer: Article 57