The Chief Minister
The elected head of a state government, appointed by the Governor as leader of the Assembly majority.
What the paper can ask
- Appointed by the Governor under Articles 163 and 164 as leader of the majority; must join the legislature within six months.
- Term up to five years, tied to the Assembly's confidence, with no limit on how many terms.
- Three Union Territories have Chief Ministers: Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Longest ever: Pawan Chamling of Sikkim (1994 to 2019, over 24 years); among sitting CMs, Neiphiu Rio of Nagaland has the longest total tenure and Pema Khandu the longest continuous one. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
The first woman Chief Minister, the longest serving ones and the size cap on the council of ministers are asked.
The full story
The Chief Minister is the real executive head of a state, as the Prime Minister is of the Union. The Governor appoints the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the Legislative Assembly (Articles 163 and 164). A Chief Minister must be a member of the state legislature or win a seat within six months, and must be 25 or older. The term runs with the Assembly, up to five years, for as long as the House's confidence lasts.
In the news
Test yourself
1.Sucheta Kripalani became the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state in 1963. Which state?
Correct. Sucheta Kripalani became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in October 1963 and served until March 1967.
Not quite. Sucheta Kripalani became Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in October 1963 and served until March 1967. It goes into your error book.
2.The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by the Governor under which Article?
Correct. Article 164(1): the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister.
Not quite. Article 164(1): the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister. It goes into your error book.