The Constitution of India
Article 157
Qualifications for appointment as Governor
No person shall be eligible for appointment as Governor unless he is a citizen of India and has completed the age of thirty-five years.
Why this exists
The Constitution-makers wanted the Governor, as the President's representative in a state and a key constitutional office, to be held by someone with a settled loyalty to the country and a minimum level of maturity and life experience. The citizenship requirement mirrors similar conditions for other high constitutional offices, while the age threshold (lower than the President's 35... actually same as President's) ensures the person is old enough to exercise weighty responsibilities like assenting to bills, appointing the Chief Minister, and acting in certain discretionary situations.
Common misconceptions
- Myth: Article 157 lists many qualifications like education or experience needed to be Governor.
Fact: It only requires Indian citizenship and a minimum age of 35; it does not mention education, political experience, or any other qualification. - Myth: The age requirement for Governor is different from that of the President.
Fact: Both the President (Article 58) and the Governor (Article 157) share the same minimum age requirement of 35 years.