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.
Key facts
- 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 about it
The first woman Chief Minister, the longest serving ones and the size cap on the council of ministers are asked.