The Governors of India hold a crucial position in the country’s federal structure, acting as the constitutional heads of their respective states and union territories. Appointed by the President of India under Article 155 of the Indian Constitution, each Governor is responsible for ensuring that the state government functions in accordance with constitutional provisions. Their key duties include upholding the Constitution, safeguarding law and order, and providing assent to bills passed by the State Legislature.

This article presents the updated list of Governors of India, covering all 28 states and 8 Union Territories along with their capitals and Chief Ministers. It also explains the roles, powers, and responsibilities of Governors, as well as important constitutional articles related to their appointment and tenure. Aspirants preparing for Banking, SSC, UPSC, Railway, Defence, and State PCS exams must be familiar with the list of Governors of India, as such questions are frequently asked in the General Awareness and Polity sections.

For quick revision, candidates can also download the Governors of India PDF in both English and Hindi, containing the complete governors of India with their latest updates as of 2025.

Download Governors of Indian States 2025 PDF in English

Download Governors of Indian States 2025 PDF in Hindi

Roles and Responsibilities

Here we can see the roles and responsibilities of the governors of India, which are given below.

• According to Article 159 of the Indian Constitution, the governor of India's responsibility is to uphold, defend, and safeguard the Constitution and the law in conducting state business.

• Implementing the Constitution requires the use of all the governor's decisions, suggestions, and oversight authority over the legislative and executive branches of a state (see, for example, Articles 167c, 200, 213, and 355).

• Any bill may be put on hold by the governor of a state for the president to examine.

• Bills dealing with issues like forced land acquisition, restrictions on the authority of the High Court, and the imposition of taxes on the storage, distribution, and sale of water or electricity in river valley development projects or along interstate rivers should necessarily be reserved.

• Without prior approval from the President, no Bills attempting to impose limits on interstate trade may be submitted to a state legislature.

The governors of India have a variety of powers in this regard, including the following:

Executive Powers of Governors: Authority over administration, nominations, and removals.

Legislative Powers of Governors: About the state legislature, or State Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), or State Legislative Council, and the enactment of laws (Vidhan Parishad).

Discretionary Powers of Governors: These are to be used at the governor's discretion. The powers and duties of the Indian governors are comparable to those of the president of India at the national level.

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Appointment and Eligibility of Governors of all Indian States

• A state's governor is chosen by the president for a five-year term and serves at his leisure.

• Unlike elections for president, there is no indirect or direct process for choosing a governor.

• They do not work for the union government; the position of governor is an autonomous constitutional office.

• Only Indian citizens who are at least 35 years old may be appointed to this position.

• The Governors of all Indian states have the authority to act as the State's executive.

Salary of Governors of Indian States

• The monthly salary of a Governor of an Indian state in 2024 is Rs. 3.5 lakhs.

• During their term, the Governor is entitled to a fixed pension and lives in the state's Raj Bhavan.

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Present Governors of India 2025 - State List

Here is the current list of Governors of Indian states and union territories in 2025 with their state names.

States and Capitals of India

Present Governors of India 2025 - State List in Hindi

Check the सभी राज्यों के राज्यपालों की सूची 2025 हिंदी में

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Present Governors of India 2025 - UT List

The present governors of all Indian Union Territories are provided here for the reference of the candidates.

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Present Governors of India 2025 - UT List Hindi

Here we have added the राज्यपालों की सूची 2025 (केंद्र शासित प्रदेश)

All State CM and Governor List 2025

Here we have tabulated the list of all state CMs and Governors for 2025. The contenders' level of preparedness would be raised by knowing the whole list of all state CM and Governor List 2025 for your reference.

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All Union Territory CM and Governor List 2025

Three of India's eight Union Territories (UTs) are governed by administrators, while the other five are overseen by lieutenant governors. Check out the table below for a list of the current chief ministers and governors of all the Indian Union territories.

Who is the first Governor of India?

The viceroy's position was eliminated in August 1947, the month of independence. The title of governor-general was once more given to the representative of the British Crown.

• The only other Indian governor-general was C. Rajagopalachari.

• C. Rajagopalachari was appointed as the first Governor of West Bengal.

• The role of the West Bengal Governor became ceremonial on January 26, 1950, when the Indian Constitution took effect.

• The first woman to hold the position of state governor in India was Sarojini Naidu.

The important articles that are based on the governor of India

• Article 153. Governors of States,

• Article 154. Executive power of the State,

• Article 155. Appointment of Governor,

• Article 156. Term of Office of the Governor,

• Article 157. Qualifications for appointment as Governor,

• Article 160. Discharge of the functions of the Governor in certain contingencies,

• Article 161. Power of the Governor to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit, or commute sentences in certain cases.

Key Highlights 

The key highlights of the governors of India were;

• Appointed By:  The President of India appoints the Governors as per Article 155 of the Indian Constitution.

• Tenure: Governors serve a 5-year term, but they hold office at the pleasure of the President.

• Constitutional Articles: Key articles related to Governors include Articles 153–161, covering their powers, duties, and qualifications.

• Role: The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state, ensuring the state government functions within the framework of the Constitution.

• Executive Powers: Include appointments, administration, and decision-making authority within the state.

• Legislative Powers: Involve summoning, proroguing, and dissolving the State Legislature and giving assent to bills.

• Discretionary Powers:  Used by the Governor in special circumstances without the advice of the Council of Ministers.

• Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen aged 35 years or above.

• Salary (2025):  The monthly salary of a Governor in India is Rs 3.5 lakh

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FAQs

Q: Why is it important to know the list of Governors and Chief Ministers for exams?

Questions about current Governors, Chief Ministers, and capitals are common in Banking, SSC, UPSC, Railway, Defence, and State PCS exams, especially in General Awareness and Indian Polity sections.

Q: Who appoints the Governors of Indian states?

Governors are appointed by the President of India, as per Article 155 of the Constitution.

Q. What is the role of a Governor in a state?

The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the state, ensuring the state government functions within the framework of the Constitution. They have both executive and ceremonial responsibilities.

Q. What is the difference between a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor?

• A Governor is appointed for states.

• A Lieutenant Governor (LG) is appointed for Union Territories (like Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

• The LG has administrative powers similar to a Governor but adapted for Union Territories.

Q. Does the PDF include Union Territories along with states?

Yes! The PDF covers all states and Union Territories along with their Governors/Lieutenant Governors, capitals, and Chief Ministers.

Q. Is the PDF available in both English and Hindi?

Yes, the List of Governors of India 2025 PDF is provided in both English and Hindi for convenient revision.

Q. How often do Governors change, and is the list updated?

Governors may change due to transfers, new appointments, or retirements. The PDF provides the latest data for 2025, and candidates should stay updated through reliable sources for any recent changes.

Q. How can I memorize Governors, capitals, and Chief Ministers effectively?

Use tables, flashcards, and quick quizzes (check the quiz linked in the article) to practice regularly. Grouping states by region can also help in better retention.

Q. How long is the term of a Governor in India?

A Governor is appointed for a term of 5 years. However, they serve at the pleasure of the President, so their tenure can be shorter or extended depending on circumstances.

Q. Are questions on Governors and Chief Ministers asked in interviews or GDs?

Yes! In banking, UPSC, and state exam interviews, knowing about current Governors, Chief Ministers, and capitals demonstrates awareness of current affairs and polity — a key area assessed in interviews and group discussions.