Salary of the President of India is one of the most searched topics because people are often curious about how much the country’s highest constitutional authority earns. The President holds a position of immense responsibility, representing the nation, safeguarding the Constitution, and performing key ceremonial and executive duties. With such a prestigious role, it’s natural to wonder about the official pay, the perks that come with the office, and the lifetime benefits provided after retirement.
In this blog, we break down the updated salary structure, allowances, and exclusive privileges enjoyed by the President of India in a simple and clear way.
As of April 2025, the President of India gets a monthly pay of INR 5 lakh set by the 2018 Union Budget. This money isn’t taxed and comes with extra perks and benefits. The President lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official home, and can get free healthcare for life. The President also has a special protected car for official trips. After leaving office, the President receives a pension of ₹1.5 lakh each month, a furnished house at no cost, and other benefits.
Who is the President of India?
Droupadi Murmu is the 15th President of India and the first tribal woman to hold the nation’s highest constitutional office. Born on 20 June 1958 in Uparbeda, a small village in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, she comes from the Santhal tribal community. Her early life was marked by financial struggles, yet she pursued education with determination and became a school teacher before entering public service.
Background
- Born into a tribal family in rural Odisha
- Began her career as a teacher and later worked as a government employee
- Known for her simplicity, resilience, and deep connection to tribal welfare
Political Journey
- Started her political career with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha
- Served as a Minister of State in the Odisha government (2000–2004)
- Became the Governor of Jharkhand (2015–2021), the first woman to hold this post
- Elected as the President of India on 25 July 2022, succeeding Ram Nath Kovind
Significance
- First tribal woman and youngest person ever to become President of India
- Symbolizes empowerment of marginalized and tribal communities
- Widely admired for her humility, strong values, and commitment to social upliftment
- Represents India’s inclusivity and democratic progress on the global stage
Salary of the President of India (Updated)
Current Monthly Salary
The current monthly salary of the President of India is ₹5,00,000. This amount was last revised by the Government of India to ensure that the compensation matches the responsibilities and stature of the office. The salary is fully taxable, just like any other income, but several allowances and perks are provided separately.
Year-Wise Salary Update History
| Year | Monthly Salary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | ₹10,000 | Salary of the first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| 1998 | ₹50,000 | Revised after nearly five decades |
| 2008 | ₹1,50,000 | Major revision under the High-Level Committee |
| 2018 | ₹5,00,000 | Current salary as per the latest official update |
These periodic revisions reflect inflation, economic growth, and the importance of the constitutional role.
Annual Salary Calculation
- Monthly Salary: ₹5,00,000
- Annual Salary: ₹5,00,000 × 12
- Total = ₹60,00,000 (₹60 lakh per year)
This amount does not include perks, allowances, security expenses, staff support, or residence-related facilities all of which significantly increase the total value of the presidential package.
Comparison With Other Top Government Positions
Here’s how the President’s salary compares with other high-ranking officials in India:
| Position | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| President of India | ₹5,00,000 |
| Vice President of India | ₹4,00,000 |
| Prime Minister of India | ₹1,66,000 |
| Chief Justice of India (CJI) | ₹2,80,000 |
| State Governors | ₹3,50,000 |
| Union Cabinet Ministers | ₹2,50,000 |
The President holds the highest constitutional salary in India, reflecting the significance and ceremonial supremacy of the post.
President of India Salary Structure 2025
| Component | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | Fixed salary approved by the government. | INR 5,00,000 per month (₹60L per year) |
| Latest Revision | Salary revised from ₹1,50,000 (2016) to ₹5,00,000 (2018) | Last revised in 2018 |
| Total Compensation | Base salary plus allowances and perks. | ₹60L per year (excluding perks) |
| Official Residence | Rashtrapati Bhavan, fully furnished and maintained by the government. | Free |
| Medical Benefits | Free medical care for life. | Free |
| Travel Allowance | Official travel via Presidential aircraft and motorcade. | Free |
| Security | Z+ security with SPG protection. | Provided by Govt. |
| Post-Retirement Benefits | Pension, residence, staff, and free travel. | ₹1.5L per month + perks |
| Authority | Government of India under Article 59 of the Constitution. | – |
Allowances and Perks Provided to the President of India
Apart from the official salary, the President of India receives a wide range of exclusive allowances and lifetime perks that reflect the dignity and responsibilities of the office. These benefits ensure that the President can perform official duties smoothly, without worrying about personal expenses or logistics.
Official Residence – Rashtrapati Bhavan
The President lives in Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of the world’s largest and most iconic presidential residences. It is spread across 330 acres and includes historic halls, guest rooms, gardens, and offices used for state functions.
Facilities Provided:
- Fully furnished and luxurious private living quarters
- Access to state lounges, banquet halls, and meeting rooms
- Complete maintenance of the property covered by the government
Staff Support:
- Household staff including attendants, cooks, cleaners, and administrative personnel
- Support for official events, visiting dignitaries, and cultural ceremonies
Maintenance:
- Entire upkeep, repairs, security installations, and garden maintenance are funded by the government
The President does not pay rent, electricity, water, or any utility bills.
Travel Allowances
The President enjoys free travel across India and abroad for official purposes.
Domestic & International Travel Benefits:
- Travel by special aircraft “Air India One”, equipped with top-tier security and communication systems
- First-class travel options when using other modes (if required)
- Government covers all lodging, conveyance, and protocol arrangements during travel
These facilities ensure seamless movement for state visits and official duties.
Medical Facilities
The President and their immediate family receive lifetime free healthcare.
Healthcare Benefits Include:
- Access to top government and military hospitals
- Entire cost of medical treatment, surgeries, and medications
- Priority medical arrangements during domestic and international visits
After retirement, these medical privileges continue without any expense to the former President.
Security & Personal Staff
The President of India is provided with the highest level of security in the country.
Security Features:
- Elite protection by the President’s Bodyguard (PBG) and other top security agencies
- Multi-layered security inside and outside Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Secure convoys and advanced surveillance systems
Personal Staff Support:
- Personal assistants
- Secretaries and administrative officers
- Attendants, drivers, and ceremonial guards
- Household and protocol staff
All salaries and expenses for these staff members are fully borne by the government.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Residence | The President of India resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan, a 320-acre estate in New Delhi, known as the largest presidential palace in the world with 340 rooms, lush gardens, museums, and state-of-the-art facilities. |
| Medical Facilities | Lifetime free medical care for the President and immediate family, covering hospitalization, surgeries, treatments, and medicines at government and top private hospitals in India. |
| Healthcare Benefits After Retirement | The ex-President is entitled to free medical care for life, including treatment at AIIMS, private hospitals, and reimbursement for medical expenses. |
| Travel Allowances | Free air and rail travel for official purposes, including domestic and international trips, in first-class cabins or private jets. |
| Official Aircraft | The President has access to Air India One (Boeing 777-300ER), a specially modified aircraft equipped with missile defense systems and advanced security features. |
| Official Vehicle | The President is provided with a custom-built, heavily armored Mercedes Benz S600 Pullman Guard, featuring bulletproof and explosion-resistant technology for security and transportation. |
| Security & Protection | The President of India is entitled to 24/7 security coverage by the Presidential Bodyguard (PBG) and Special Protection Group (SPG), with Z+ security and convoy protection. |
| Personal Staff & Household Support | The President is provided with a team of assistants, security personnel, residence staff, chefs, and protocol officers to manage daily affairs and hospitality. |
| Communication Facilities | The President receives landline connections, a mobile phone with secure communication lines, and high-speed internet services to ensure seamless governance and emergency contact. |
| Entertainment & Hospitality | The President hosts state banquets, diplomatic meetings, and cultural events, with government-funded hospitality services, catering, and guest accommodations. |
| Pension & Post-Retirement Benefits | The ex-President receives a lifetime pension of ₹1,50,000 per month, along with office expenses, security, travel perks, and a government-provided residence after retirement. |
| Post-Retirement Residence | A Type VIII government bungalow (highest grade) is provided for life, fully furnished with security, staff, and maintenance covered by the government. |
| Travel Allowance for Retired President | The ex-President is entitled to free first-class air and train travel for life, along with a companion, funded by the government. |
| Official Staff for Retired President | A personal secretary, peons, and assistants are assigned to the ex-President for life to assist in daily administrative and personal matters. |
| Secretarial Assistance | The retired President is given office space, a secretariat team, and funding for official correspondence and travel related to government and social activities. |
| Personal Security After Retirement | The ex-President retains Z+ security, including armed guards, a convoy, and protection details, provided by government security agencies. |
Other Benefits & Privileges of the President of India
Beyond salary and basic allowances, the President receives several exclusive benefits and lifelong privileges that reflect the dignity and national importance of the position. These perks ensure comfort, security, and seamless execution of ceremonial duties.
No Rent & Utility Charges
The President does not pay any rent or utility bills, regardless of the size or scale of the residence.
What’s Included:
- Free electricity
- Free water supply
- Free maintenance of residence and grounds
- Repairs, renovations, and landscaping fully funded by the government
This is applicable both during the tenure and, to some extent, even after retirement.
Official Vehicles
The President is provided with a fleet of specially designed luxury vehicles equipped with world-class safety and communication systems.
Vehicle Features:
- Custom-built armored cars
- Advanced security technology
- Secure communication channels
- Chauffeur-driven transportation for all official duties
These vehicles are replaced regularly to maintain top security standards.
Special Entertainment Allowance
To support national events and diplomatic engagements, the President receives a Special Entertainment Allowance.
Used For:
- Hosting foreign dignitaries
- Ceremonial events
- State banquets and official gatherings
- National celebrations and protocol functions
This allowance ensures that the President can uphold the decorum of state ceremonies without out-of-pocket expenses.
Lifetime Pension After Retirement
After completing their term, the President is entitled to generous lifetime benefits, ensuring dignity and support even after leaving office.
Retirement Benefits:
- Lifetime Pension: Currently around ₹1,50,000 per month, excluding allowances
- Free Furnished Residence: A fully furnished home provided by the government
- Office Staff:
- Private secretary
- One personal assistant
- One peon
- Office expenses covered by the government
- Free Travel Allowance:
- Unlimited free travel within India
- Travel facility for spouse as well
These privileges ensure that the former President continues to live with honor and receives full administrative support for any public duties.
Interesting Facts About the President’s Salary
The salary of the President of India has evolved significantly since independence, and there are many surprising facts that people often don’t know. Here are some of the most interesting insights:
1. The First President’s Salary Was Only ₹10,000
When Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President in 1950, his monthly salary was ₹10,000. At that time, ₹10,000 was a very large amount, but compared to today’s salary of ₹5,00,000 per month, it shows how much compensation has increased over the decades.
Fun fact: Dr. Rajendra Prasad voluntarily took a pay cut, reducing his salary to ₹7,500, and later asked to be paid only ₹2,500 toward the end of his term.
2. How the Pay Has Changed Over the Decades
Presidential salary revisions have been rare and spaced out, reflecting economic growth and inflation over time.
| Year | Monthly Salary | Notable Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1951 | ₹10,000 | First President’s pay |
| 1998 | ₹50,000 | First major revision after almost 50 years |
| 2008 | ₹1,50,000 | Tripled after the Sixth Pay Commission |
| 2018 | ₹5,00,000 | Latest update, effective today |
This clearly shows how the salary has grown almost 50 times in 70 years.
3. Some Fun Facts People Don’t Usually Know
Here are some lesser-known but fascinating facts about the President’s salary and perks:
- The President Does Not Pay for Food or Accommodation — all meals, residence facilities, and household maintenance are completely free.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan Costs Crores to Maintain — this grand residence costs hundreds of crores every year to maintain, funded by the government.
- Tax Treatment — while the salary itself is taxable, many allowances and perks fall under special exemptions.
- Lifetime Pension and Staff — after retirement, Presidents receive a furnished residence, office with staff, travel allowances, and medical facilities for life.
- Travel in “Air India One” — for foreign visits, the President flies in the same highly secure aircraft used by the Prime Minister.
- Only Three Salary Hikes in 70+ Years — the President’s salary has been officially revised only three times since independence.
Skills Required to Become the President of India
According to the Indian Constitution, specific requirements and eligibility criteria must be met in order to become President of India.
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- The candidate must be at least 35 years old.
- The candidate must be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
- The candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state government, or any local authority.
Aside from constitutional eligibility, useful skills and qualities include effective communication, strong leadership, deep understanding of the Constitution, impartiality, sound judgment, and experience in public service or administration.
Post Retirement Benefits
| Post-Retirement Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Pension | The former President receives a monthly pension. (Note: common public sources cite figures such as ₹1.5 lakh; check official notifications for exact current amount.) |
| Annual Pension Adjustments | The pension amount may be revised periodically based on economic conditions and government policy. |
| Dedicated Staff | A team of staff members including assistants, peons, and a private secretary is provided to the ex-President. |
| Office Expense Allowance | Annual office expense support for administrative work and operational costs. |
| Free Landline & Mobile Services | The government funds the former President’s communication services and often provides broadband access for official correspondence. |
| Free Domestic Travel | Lifetime free air and rail travel, often including a companion, for official events and engagements; international travel may require special approval. |
| VIP Travel Privileges | VIP protocol services at airports and railway stations, government-funded first-class travel, and official accommodations. |
Salary Comparison
To understand the significance of the President’s salary, it’s helpful to compare it with the salaries of other top government officials in India. This gives a clearer picture of how compensation is structured for the highest offices in the country.
President vs Prime Minister Salary
Although both positions hold immense national importance, the President’s salary is higher because of their status as the ceremonial and constitutional head of India.
| Position | Monthly Salary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| President of India | ₹5,00,000 | Highest constitutional salary |
| Prime Minister of India | ₹2,80,000 | Includes basic pay + allowances |
The President earns ₹2.2 lakh more per month than the Prime Minister.
President vs Governors of States
Governors represent the President at the state level. Their salary is lower but still significant due to the nature of their constitutional responsibilities.
| Position | Monthly Salary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| President of India | ₹5,00,000 | Head of State |
| Governor of a State | ₹3,50,000 | Represents the Union in states |
The President earns ₹1.5 lakh more than a Governor each month.
President vs CJI & High-Ranking Officials
Judicial and senior government officials play key roles in policymaking and governance, but the President remains the highest-paid public officeholder.
| Position | Monthly Salary | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| President of India | ₹5,00,000 | Highest constitutional authority |
| Chief Justice of India (CJI) | ₹2,80,000 | Head of the Judiciary |
| Union Cabinet Ministers | ₹2,50,000 | Key decision-makers in the central government |
| Chief Election Commissioner | ₹2,50,000 | Oversees national elections |
| Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG) | ₹2,50,000 | National audit authority |
The President’s salary remains the highest among all constitutional positions.
FAQs about President’s Salary
1. What is the President of India’s salary per month?
Ans: The current monthly salary of the President of India is ₹5,00,000, as per the latest revision.
2. Does the President pay taxes?
Ans: Yes, the President’s salary is fully taxable. However, many allowances and official perks they receive are tax-exempt under specific rules.
3. Do Presidents get a pension for life?
Ans: Yes. Former Presidents receive a lifetime pension along with additional benefits such as a furnished residence, staff, travel, and medical facilities.
4. What perks continue after retirement?
Ans: After retirement, Presidents typically continue to receive lifetime pension, a free furnished home, personal staff (secretary, assistant, peon), free travel within India, and lifetime medical facilities.
5. Who decides the salary of the President of India?
Ans: Parliament of India decides the President’s salary through legislation. Revisions follow parliamentary approval and government notification.
6. How often is the President’s salary revised?
Ans: The salary is not revised on a fixed schedule. Historically it has been revised only a few times — notably in 1998, 2008, and 2018.
7. Does the President get free housing?
Ans: Yes. The President resides in Rashtrapati Bhavan, and all utilities and maintenance are covered by the government.
8. Does the President receive security after retirement?
Ans: Yes. Former Presidents receive high-level security cover based on threat assessment and government rules.
9. Does the President pay for travel?
Ans: No. Official travel expenses, both during and (for sanctioned travel) after the term, are covered by the government.
10. Do Presidents get free medical facilities?
Ans: Yes. The President and their immediate family receive lifetime free medical care, including access to top government and military hospitals.
11. Can a President receive any other salary or income?
Ans: The President cannot hold any other office of profit or receive another official salary. Personal income from assets or property is permitted.
12. Does the President get allowances in addition to salary?
Ans: Yes. The President receives allowances such as the Special Entertainment Allowance, staff and residence allowances, and others — many of which are tax-free.
13. What happens to the perks if a President resigns before completing the term?
Ans: Even if a President resigns or serves a shorter tenure, they are typically eligible for pension, staff support, free accommodation, and medical facilities as per government rules.
14. Can the President refuse the salary?
Ans: Yes. There is no rule forcing a President to accept the full salary. Historically, Dr. Rajendra Prasad accepted a reduced salary during his tenure.
15. Is the President the highest-paid government official in India?
Ans: Yes. The President receives the highest constitutional salary in India, higher than that of the Prime Minister, Governors, and the Chief Justice.
Conclusion
The salary of the President of India, along with the extensive perks and lifetime privileges, reflects the dignity and importance of the nation’s highest constitutional position. With a monthly salary of ₹5,00,000, free residence in Rashtrapati Bhavan, elite security, official vehicles, and lifetime support after retirement, the President enjoys unmatched benefits compared to other public offices.
However, the role goes far beyond financial compensation. The President is the guardian of the Constitution, represents India internationally, and plays key roles during political and national events — responsibilities that carry prestige and national trust beyond any salary figure.
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