Previous Year Question
Which one of the following did NOT serve as Vice President before assuming the office of the President of India?
R. Venkataraman
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
Dr. Zakir Hussain
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy was the sixth President of India. He did not serve as Vice President before becoming President.
Neelam Sanjiva Reddy
He served as President of India from 25 July 1977 to 25 July 1982. Before becoming President, he had served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister and Speaker of the Lok Sabha on two occasions.
In 1977, he was elected President unopposed. He was the first person to be elected unopposed to the office of the President of India.
Explanation of the other options
R. Venkataraman: He served as Vice President of India from 31 August 1984 to 24 July 1987. He subsequently assumed office as the eighth President of India on 25 July 1987.
Dr. Zakir Hussain: He served as Vice President of India from 13 May 1962 to 12 May 1967. He subsequently became the third President of India on 13 May 1967. He died in office on 3 May 1969.
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma: He served as Vice President of India from 3 September 1987 to 24 July 1992. He subsequently assumed office as the ninth President of India on 25 July 1992.
Thus, R. Venkataraman, Dr. Zakir Hussain and Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma had all served as Vice President before becoming President.