Table of Contents
The Chief Election Commissioner of India is the head of the Election Commission of India, a constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. For candidates preparing for Kerala PSC, TNPSC, SSC, RRB, and Banking exams, the Chief Election Commissioner of India is one of the most important topics in Indian Polity. The current Chief Election Commissioner is Gyanesh Kumar (since February 2025).
Structure of Election Commission of India
The Chief Election Commissioner of India works along with two Election Commissioners.
- Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
- Two Election Commissioners
Important Point:
- All decisions are taken by majority vote
- CEC does NOT have veto power
List of Former Chief Election Commissioners of India
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
| No. | Name | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sukumar Sen | 21 March 1950 – 19 December 1958 |
| 2 | K. V. K. Sundaram | 20 December 1958 – 30 September 1967 |
| 3 | S. P. Sen Verma | 1 October 1967 – 30 September 1972 |
| 4 | Nagendra Singh | 1 October 1972 – 6 February 1973 |
| 5 | T. Swaminathan | 7 February 1973 – 17 June 1977 |
| 6 | S. L. Shakdhar | 18 June 1977 – 17 June 1982 |
| 7 | R. K. Trivedi | 18 June 1982 – 31 December 1985 |
| 8 | R. V. S. Peri Sastri | 1 January 1986 – 25 November 1990 |
| 9 | V. S. Ramadevi | 26 November 1990 – 11 December 1990 |
| 10 | T. N. Seshan | 12 December 1990 – 11 December 1996 |
| 11 | M. S. Gill | 12 December 1996 – 13 June 2001 |
| 12 | J. M. Lyngdoh | 14 June 2001 – 7 February 2004 |
| 13 | T. S. Krishnamurthy | 8 February 2004 – 15 May 2005 |
| 14 | B. B. Tandon | 16 May 2005 – 29 June 2006 |
| 15 | N. Gopalaswami | 30 June 2006 – 20 April 2009 |
| 16 | Navin Chawla | 21 April 2009 – 29 July 2010 |
| 17 | S. Y. Quraishi | 30 July 2010 – 10 June 2012 |
| 18 | V. S. Sampath | 11 June 2012 – 15 January 2015 |
| 19 | H. S. Brahma | 16 January 2015 – 18 April 2015 |
| 20 | Nasim Zaidi | 19 April 2015 – 5 July 2017 |
| 21 | Achal Kumar Jyoti | 6 July 2017 – 22 January 2018 |
| 22 | Om Prakash Rawat | 23 January 2018 – 1 December 2018 |
| 23 | Sunil Arora | 2 December 2018 – 12 April 2021 |
| 24 | Sushil Chandra | 13 April 2021 – 14 May 2022 |
| 25 | Rajiv Kumar | 15 May 2022 – 18 February 2025 |
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Start Learning!List of Former Election Commissioners of India
Here are some important names:
| No. | Name | Term of Office |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | V. S. Seigell | 16 October 1989 – 2 January 1990 |
| 2 | S. S. Dhanoa | 16 October 1989 – 2 January 1990 |
| 3 | G. V. G. Krishnamurty | 1 October 1993 – 30 September 1999 |
| 4 | Ashok Lavasa | 23 January 2018 – 31 August 2020 |
| 5 | Anup Chandra Pandey | 9 June 2021 – 14 February 2024 |
| 6 | Arun Goel | 21 November 2022 – 9 March 2024 |
Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner of India
The Chief Election Commissioner of India is appointed by the President of India.
Selection Committee:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
- Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by PM)
This system was formalized by the 2023 Act, making it an important current affairs topic.
Term of Chief Election Commissioner of India
The Chief Election Commissioner of India serves:
- Maximum 6 years, OR
- Until 65 years of age (whichever is earlier)
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Start Learning!Removal of Chief Election Commissioner of India
The Chief ECI enjoys strong job security.
Removal Process:
- Can only be removed by impeachment in Parliament
- Requires special majority (like a Supreme Court judge)
- Election Commissioners can be removed only on recommendation of the CEC.
Powers and Functions of Chief Election Commissioner of India
The Chief Election Commissioner of India plays a key role in ensuring democratic elections.
Major Functions:
Conduct of Elections
- Lok Sabha elections
- State Assembly elections
- Presidential elections
- Vice-Presidential elections
Election Schedule
- Announces dates for:
- Nomination
- Voting
- Counting
Model Code of Conduct
- Ensures political parties follow rules
- Prevents misuse of power
Monitoring Election Process
- Supervises EVM & VVPAT usage
- Controls election expenditure
- Oversees election officials
Article 324 – Constitutional Provision
The powers of the Chief ECI come from:
Article 324 of the Constitution of India
It gives authority over:
- Superintendence
- Direction
- Control of elections
ECI Salary 2026 & Rank
- Salary: ₹2,50,000 per month
- Equivalent to: Supreme Court Judge
- Rank: High constitutional authority
The ECI is a vital pillar of Indian democracy. Understanding this topic thoroughly will help aspirants score high in competitive exams like Kerala PSC, SSC, TNPSC, RRB, and Banking.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Chief Election Commissioner of India?
Gyanesh Kumar
What is the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner of India?
6 years or 65 years of age
How is CEC removed?
Through impeachment by Parliament
Which Article deals with Election Commission?
Article 324
