List of Nepal Prime Ministers (1951-2026)

Prime Ministers of Nepal: Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia, famous for its stunning mountains like Mount Everest, the tallest in the world. 

Since the country unified in the late 1700s, its political scene has changed dramatically. It moved from a powerful monarchy and hereditary Rana rule to becoming a Federal Democratic Republic in 2008.

As a result of these changes, many people have held the office of Prime Minister. Nepal has had 39 Prime Ministers in its history, including interim leaders, and some have served more than once during times of political change.

Today, the Prime Minister is the head of government and is appointed by Parliament. In this article, we will look at the full list of these leaders and how they have shaped the nation.

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List of Nepal Prime Ministers

The role of Nepal’s prime minister has had different names throughout the country’s history. After the 1951 revolution, people who were not from aristocratic families, such as Matrika Prasad Koirala, could become prime minister, although they still answered to the King.

In 1959, Nepal held its first general election, and Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala became the country’s first elected prime minister.

Since the position was created, Nepal has had many prime ministers, and their role and power have changed with each political era.

The country’s political system has shifted several times, moving from monarchy to a partyless system, then to a constitutional monarchy, and finally to a federal republic.

Transition Era (1951-1960)

This period was characterized by significant political transformation, marked by a transition from the absolute rule of the Ranas to a more democratic system under the king's authority. During this time, both politicians and the king intermittently assumed governing responsibilities.

Partyless Panchayat Era (1960-1990)

Following a royal coup in 1960, a partyless system called the Panchayat System was introduced. Political parties were banned, and the King held ultimate power. The Prime Ministers during this time were selected by the King and did not belong to any political party.

Constitutional Monarchy (1990 -2008)

This period saw the end of the partyless system. Following a democratic movement, political parties were allowed to operate and contest in the elections again, and the king's power got limited. The Prime Minister's role was now based on winning elections, but the king still held significant authority.

Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (2008-Present)

In 2008, the monarchy was abolished, and Nepal became a federal republic. The Prime Minister is now the head of the government, elected by the parliament, and holds the most power in the country, with the president acting as the ceremonial head of state.

Who is the Current Prime Minister of Nepal?

Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, is now serving as the Prime Minister of Nepal. President Ram Chandra Paudel officially appointed him, and he took the oath of office today, March 27, 2026, at 12:34 p.m. local time. His appointment follows his party's landslide victory in the general elections on March 5, 2024.

Key Information & Context

• Political Party: He leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a significant majority (182 out of 275 seats) in the House of Representatives.
• Historic Significance: At 35, he is the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal's history.
• He is the first Prime Minister of Madheshi origin.
• His victory marks a major shift from traditional political parties following the "Gen Z" protests of late 2025.
• Background: Before entering national politics, he served as the Mayor of Kathmandu (2022–2026) and was well-known as a structural engineer and a popular rap artist.
• Predecessor: He succeeds Sushila Karki, who served as the interim Prime Minister leading up to the 2026 elections.

Current Government Status

Prime Minister Shah is currently in the process of finalizing his Cabinet. His administration is expected to focus heavily on anti-corruption measures, infrastructure development, and economic stability, reflecting the mandate of the youth-led movement that propelled his party to power.

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The Resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli

The transition occurred after a dramatic and violent period of civil unrest in late 2025:

1. The "Gen Z" Protests: In early September 2025, a massive youth-led movement (often called the Gen Z protests) erupted across Nepal. The primary triggers were widespread frustration over government corruption, economic stagnation, and a controversial ban on major social media platforms.
2. Escalation: The protests turned deadly; reports indicate that at least 19 people were killed in police clashes on September 8 alone. Protesters targeted the houses of political leaders, including Oli's private residence in Bhaktapur, which was significantly damaged.
3. The Resignation: Facing immense public pressure and a "Bangladesh-style" uprising, K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, ending his fourth term as Prime Minister. 

After he left, he was moved for a short time to an army barracks for protection, then stepped back from the political spotlight.

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