Table of Contents
The Election Commission of India is a constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country. It plays a crucial role in India’s democratic system and is highly important for competitive exams like Kerala PSC, TNPSC, SSC, RRB, and Banking. Established under Article 324 of the Constitution, the Election Commission of India ensures transparency in elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
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Structure of Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India currently functions as a three-member body:
The present Chief Election Commissioner is Gyanesh Kumar (since 2025).
- Decisions are taken by majority vote
- No overriding power for CEC
- Headquarters: New Delhi
| Position | Details |
|---|---|
| Chief Election Commissioner | Head of the commission |
| Election Commissioner 1 | Member |
| Election Commissioner 2 | Member |
Appointment Process of ECI
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
The Election Commission of India members are appointed by the President of India.
Selection Committee:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson)
- Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
- Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by PM)
Earlier, the appointment was solely based on PM recommendation, but changes were introduced through the 2023 Act.
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Start Learning!Powers and Functions of ECI
The Election Commission of India performs several critical functions:
Conduct of Elections
- Lok Sabha elections
- State Assembly elections
- Presidential & Vice-Presidential elections
Election Schedule
- Announces:
- Nomination dates
- Voting dates
- Counting dates
Electoral Roll Management
- Prepares and updates voter lists
- Issues EPIC (Voter ID)
Term & Removal of Election Commission of India Members
Term:
- Maximum: 6 years OR 65 years of age (whichever is earlier)
Removal:
- CEC: Removed only by impeachment (like a Supreme Court judge)
- Election Commissioners: Removed by President on CEC’s recommendation
Election Commission of India NVSP Portal
The Election Commission of India NVSP (National Voters’ Service Portal) helps citizens:
- Register as voters
- Check voter ID status
- Download voter ID
- Update details
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Start Learning!Election Commission of India Nomination List & Orders
The commission:
- Scrutinizes nomination papers
- Publishes Election Commission of India nomination list
- Issues guidelines through:
- Order Portal
- Press Notes
Election Commission Kerala
The Election Commission Kerala works under ECI supervision.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct state elections
- Manage Kerala voter list
- Coordinate district-level officers
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
The Election Commission of India enforces MCC to ensure fair elections.
Rules include:
- No misuse of government machinery
- No hate speech
- Limit on campaign spending
Voting System in India
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
- Introduced to reduce fraud
- Used nationwide
VVPAT System
- Provides paper verification
NOTA Option
- “None of the Above” introduced in 2014
List of Former Chief Election Commissioners 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 |
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 |
Important Acts Related to Election Commission of India
- Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951
- Election Commission Act, 1991
- Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023
The Election Commission of India is a cornerstone of Indian democracy. There are proper details regarding the Election Commission and its members that candidates must definitely know if they are preparing for any type of entrance examination in India, as this is one of the most important topics. Candidates should be aware of the current Election Commissioners as well as the list of former commissioners who have served the country with dedication and commitment.
Entri is a public learning platform that provides numerous opportunities for aspirants preparing for various competitive exams. You can also explore crash courses and video lessons available on the platform to strengthen your preparation.
