Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75 on September 17, 2025, and the occasion has once again sparked public debate on whether India should impose an age limit for its Prime Minister. Unlike civil servants, who retire at 60, and Supreme Court judges, who step down at 65, the Prime Minister of India has no prescribed retirement age under the Constitution.
Why is there no retirement age for the Prime Minister?
The Prime Minister’s position is purely political, not administrative or judicial. Article 75 of the Indian Constitution states that the Prime Minister holds office “during the pleasure of the President,” but in practice, this is determined by the confidence of Parliament. As long as a leader is elected as a Member of Parliament and commands majority support in the Lok Sabha, they can continue to serve—regardless of age.
Eligibility criteria for becoming Prime Minister
To be Prime Minister, one must:
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Be a citizen of India.
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Be a Member of Parliament (or get elected within six months of appointment).
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Be at least 25 years old for the Lok Sabha or 30 years for the Rajya Sabha.
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Not hold any office of profit under the government.
There is no maximum age limit mentioned, which allows leaders to continue serving as long as the democratic mandate supports them.
Global and Indian examples
History has several examples of older leaders taking charge: Morarji Desai became Prime Minister at 81, while Modi himself took office for his second term at 68. Globally too, leaders in their 70s and 80s—such as Joe Biden—continue to serve.
Should India set an age limit?
Critics argue that an age cap could ensure younger leadership, while others say experience and wisdom often prove invaluable in governance. For now, the Constitution leaves this question to the electorate rather than to legislation.
