Pranab Mukherjee served as the President of India from 2012 to 2017, marking a career in public service that spanned five decades. Before his elevation to the presidency, he occupied several high-level ministerial portfolios, acting as a strategist within the Indian National Congress and maintaining a continuous presence in the upper and lower houses of the Indian parliament.
Early Education and Career
Born in 1935 in Mirati, Mukherjee attended local institutions including the Dhaka Collegiate School and Armanitola Government High School. He completed his higher education at the University of Calcutta and Suri Vidyasagar College. His professional life began as a teacher at the Mahendra Nath Ray institute and as a clerk for the Deputy Accountant-General. Before dedicating his time to politics, he also contributed as a journalist for the publication Desher Dak.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Ascendancy
Mukherjee transitioned into national politics in 1969. Serving as a member of the Rajya Sabha beginning in 1980, he held the position of Minister of Finance from 1982 to 1984. During this period, he became a central figure in government administration, eventually taking on the role of Leader of the House in the Lok Sabha from 2004 until 2012. His tenure reflected his role as a key decision-maker in the Indian National Congress.
Ministerial Portfolios and Presidency
Throughout the early 21st century, Mukherjee managed diverse government departments. He served as the Minister of Defence from 2004 to 2006 and as the Minister of External Affairs between 2006 and 2009. Returning to the finance portfolio from 2009 to 2012, he subsequently won the 2012 presidential election. As President of India, he served until 2017, when he stepped down due to health complications. He died in New Delhi in 2020.
Fast facts
- Born: 1935, Mirati
- Died: 2020, New Delhi
- President of India: 2012-2017
- Minister of Finance: 1982-1984, 2009-2012
- Minister of External Affairs: 2006-2009
- Minister of Defence: 2004-2006
- Award: Padma Vibhushan (2008)
- Education: University of Calcutta
Questions readers ask
What major government positions did Pranab Mukherjee hold?
He served as President of India, Minister of Finance, Minister of External Affairs, and Minister of Defence.
Where did Pranab Mukherjee study?
He was educated at the University of Calcutta, Suri Vidyasagar College, Dhaka Collegiate School, and Armanitola Government High School.
Achievements
- President of India (2012–2017)
- Minister of Finance (2009–2012)
- Minister of External Affairs (2006–2009)
- member of Rajya Sabha (1980–1984)
- Educated at University of Calcutta and Dhaka Collegiate School
