Art. 57 Part V: The Union

Eligibility for Re-Election

Exact text — Constitution of India

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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article confirms there's no term limit on how many times someone can be elected President — unlike some countries' constitutions that cap presidential terms, India's President can theoretically be re-elected indefinitely, subject to actually winning each subsequent election.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why, in principle, an incumbent or former President could run again and again — though in practice, no Indian President has served more than two terms, and most have served just one.

Read alongside this one

Art. 56 — Term of Office of President

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 57

Has any Indian President served more than one term?

Yes — Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President, served two consecutive terms (1950-1962), though this remains a historical exception rather than a common pattern.

← PreviousArticle 56: Term of Office of President Next →Article 58: Qualifications for Election as President

The text above reproduces Article 57 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.