Part V - The Union • Article

Article 58 Simplified: Qualifications for election as President

To become the President of India, you must: 1) Be an Indian Citizen. 2) Be at least 35 years old. 3) Be qualified to be a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha). You also cannot hold any other government job (office of profit) at the same time.

Official Text

(1) No person shall be eligible for election as President unless he— (a) is a citizen of India, (b) has completed the age of thirty-five years, and (c) is qualified for election as a member of the House of the People. (2) A person shall not be eligible for election as President if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments. Explanation.—For the purposes of this article, a person shall not be deemed to hold any office of profit by reason only that he is the President or Vice-President of the Union or the Governor *** of any State or is a Minister either for the Union or for any State.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

To become President, you must follow three main rules: you must be an Indian citizen, you must be at least 35 years old, and you must be qualified to be elected to the Lok Sabha (the people's house of Parliament). You also cannot have another government job that pays money.

Student Mode

Prescribes the qualifications for candidacy: (1) Indian citizenship, (2) minimum age of 35 years, (3) qualified to be elected as a Lok Sabha member. It also prohibits holding an 'office of profit' under local, state, or central government, though exceptions are made for the President, VP, Governors, and Ministers.

Example

Even if a person is a brilliant leader, they cannot run for President if they are only 30 years old; they must wait until they turn 35.

Key Takeaway

The President must be a mature, qualified Indian citizen.

FAQs

What is the minimum age to become the President of India?

A candidate must have completed the age of 35 years to be eligible to run for President.

Can a member of Parliament (MP) run for President?

Yes, but they must fulfill all qualifications under Article 58, and if elected, they must vacate their seat in Parliament upon entering the office of President (Article 59).

What is an 'office of profit'?

It is a position under the government that yields pecuniary gain, salary, or benefits. Holding such an office disqualifies a candidate to prevent conflict of interest, except for sitting Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors, or Ministers.

Quiz

What is the minimum age requirement to be eligible for election as President of India?

Answer: 35 years

A presidential candidate must be qualified for election to which House of Parliament?

Answer: Lok Sabha

Which of the following offices is NOT considered an office of profit for Presidential candidacy?

Answer: Governor of a State