Order of Precedence in India
What is the Order of Precedence?
- The Order of Precedence is basically a protocol list.
- This list is prepared and maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- It contains the names of different dignitaries (important officials) of the Indian government, arranged according to their rank and office.
👉 Think of it like a “priority seating arrangement” for important people of the Republic of India.
When is it used?
- It is not used in the day-to-day business of government.
- Instead, it is followed only on State and Ceremonial occasions—
- For example, during Republic Day parade, State banquets, official functions, or when foreign dignitaries are present.
- This helps in deciding who will sit where, who will be received first, and who will march ahead in a ceremonial event.
The Actual Order of Precedence
Let us now go step by step into the ranking:
- President – Always at the top, the Head of State.
- Vice-President – The second-highest constitutional position.
- Prime Minister – Head of Government, but still below VP in protocol.
- Governors of States (within their respective States) – Example: Governor of Maharashtra ranks above PM only within Maharashtra.
Next level dignitaries:
- Former Presidents
5A. Deputy Prime Minister – (Note: Currently in 2025 we don’t have a Deputy PM, but if appointed, this rank is followed). - Chief Justice of India (CJI) = Speaker of Lok Sabha (both are equal in status).
- Cabinet Ministers of Union = Chief Ministers of States (within their own State) = Vice-Chairperson, NITI Aayog = Former Prime Ministers = Leaders of Opposition in both Houses.
7A. Holders of Bharat Ratna – the highest civilian awardees are given a separate, special place.
Diplomats and Judges:
- Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries accredited to India = Chief Ministers of States (outside their own State) = Governors of States (outside their own State).
- Judges of the Supreme Court.
9A. Chairperson, UPSC = Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) = Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
Deputy-level dignitaries:
- Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha = Deputy Chief Ministers of States = Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha = Members of NITI Aayog = Ministers of State at Union level.
- Attorney General of India = Cabinet Secretary = Lieutenant Governors (within their respective UTs).
Key Insights
- Notice that the President is No. 1, but Prime Minister is No. 3, even though PM wields more real power. This is because Order of Precedence is about protocol, not political power.
- Governors and CMs rank differently inside and outside their States.
- Holders of Bharat Ratna are given a special slot (7A), showing the value India attaches to this award.
- Positions like Deputy PM or Deputy CM may not always exist, but they are given a place in case the post is created.
✅ In summary:
The Order of Precedence is a formal list for ceremonial protocol. It maintains dignity, avoids confusion in official functions, and ensures every important office is given its rightful respect according to constitutional and political traditions.