List of Longest-Serving Prime Ministers of India: Check Tenure, No. of Years and Days
Get a clear picture of India’s political legacy by tracing the tenures of its longest-serving Prime Ministers. This list highlights each leader’s time in office, counting both years and days, while also offering background on their terms, contributions, and how long they held the nation’s top executive role across different governments.
India is a vast, diverse and politically vibrant country and holding the position of the Prime Minister of the nation is more than just administrative responsibilities but also managing public expectations, national identity and creating a better future for the nation. Since independence in 1947, India has seen a total of 14 Prime Ministers. From freedom fighters and economists to political strategists and mass leaders these leaders took the position and left indelible marks throughout their tenures.
The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation of a modern and secular nation. He was then followed by Indira Gandhi who helped shape the political discourse in 1970. Later, Manmohan Singh took the leadership position and his quiet yet steady leadership marked a decade of economic and global repositioning.
Now recently, Narendra Modi has emerged as one of the most important political figures and as of July 2025, has officially become the second longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history, overtaking Indira Gandhi’s record for an unbroken tenure. Here is a list of the longest-serving Prime Ministers in India.
Modi Ji’s decades of Seva have shaped an era of his own. Whether it is giving the poor their rights, setting new landmarks in development or enhancing the nation's pride on global platforms, the Modi era has transformed India unrecognisably.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 22, 2026
Fostering this new India required a…
Longest Serving Prime Ministers of India
India has seen fourteen individuals serve as Prime Minister from August 15, 1947 to mid‑2025. Their total tenures span from just a few days to over sixteen years. Here is a complete look at the PMs who have served the nation for the longest:
1. Jawaharlal Nehru (INC)
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Tenure: August 15, 1947 – May 27, 1964
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Duration: 16 years, 286 days
2. Narendra Modi (BJP) (as of September 2026)
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In office since May 26, 2014
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By September 17, 2026, he surpassed Indira Gandhi, completing 4,497 consecutive days and becoming India’s second longest continuous-serving PM
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Duration: 12 years 3 months 22 days
Consecutively, he has now become the longest-serving head of a government in India where he has served a total of 8930 days.
Did You KnowIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is turned 76 on September 17, 2026. He was born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi became the first PM of India to be born after the country gained independence in 1947. |
The PIB mentions: "PM Modi Ji breaks 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling as head of a government. PM Modi Ji's 8,931 days in public life reflect a deep dedication to nation-first governance, integrity in action, and tireless service to every citizen"
A milestone rooted in service, hard work and unwavering commitment.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 22, 2026
Today, PM @narendramodi Ji surpasses the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling, becoming the longest-serving head of a government in India.
PM Modi Ji's 8,931 days in public life, first as…
3. Indira Gandhi (INC)
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First term: January 24, 1966 – March 24, 1977
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Duration: 11 years, 59 days (total across later term: 15 years, 350 days) 
4. Manmohan Singh (INC)
- Tenure: May 22, 2004 – May 26, 2014
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Duration: 10 years, 4 days
5. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BJP)
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Combined terms: 1996 (16 days), 1998–1999 (13 months), 1999–2004 (full term)
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Total continuous last term: 6 years, 80 days.
Top 5 Longest Continuous Tenures
| Rank | Prime Minister | Term Start–End | Duration |
| 1 | Jawaharlal Nehru | Aug 1947 – May 1964 | 16 years, 286 days |
| 2 | Narendra Modi (incumbent) | May 2014 – Till Now | 12 years 3 months 22 days crossing Indira now |
| 3 | Indira Gandhi | Jan 1966 – Mar 1977 | 11 years, 59 days |
| 4 | Manmohan Singh | May 2004 – May 2014 | 10 years, 4 days |
| 5 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Mar 1998 – May 2004 (final term) | 6 years, 80 days |
READ| List of Shortest Serving PMs of India
Narendra Modi: The Rise to Second‑Longest Serving PM
Narendra Modi first took office on May 26, 2014 and he was re-elected May 30, 2019 serving his second term as the Prime Minister of India. Later in the 2024 elections he got re-elected and is serving his third consecutive term.
By September 17, 2026, Modi completed 4,497 days as Prime Minister which exceeds Indira Gandhi’s 4,077 consecutive days (from January 24, 1966 to March 24, 1977). He thus became the second longest-serving Prime Minister in continuous terms.
Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.
