UPSC Notes

Lieutenant Governor

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding the role, powers, and appointment of Lieutenant Governors is crucial for comprehending the administrative structure of Union Territories, the unique federal dynamics between the Centre and UTs, and the constitutional provisions governing these special administrative units in India.

The Lieutenant Governor is the constitutional head and chief administrator of Union Territories in India, appointed by the President of India. They serve as the representative of the President and the central government in the administration of these territories, with their powers varying based on whether the UT has a legislative assembly or not.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Appointment Authority

Appointed by the President of India.

Role in UTs

Constitutional head and chief administrator of Union Territories.

Central Representative

Acts as the representative of the President and the Union government.

Varying Powers

Powers and functions differ significantly between UTs with a legislative assembly (e.g., Delhi, Puducherry) and those without (e.g., Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance
Conceptual areaConstitutional & Statutory Bodies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
President of IndiaAppoints
Rashtrapati BhavanAnnounces appointments
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Constitutional head of Union Territories.
  • Appointed by the President of India.
  • Acts as the representative of the President.
  • Administers UTs directly (without legislature).
  • Powers differ in UTs with legislative assemblies.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutoryDistinguish between constitutional offices like LG and statutory bodies/offices created by an act of Parliament.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & GovernanceConstitutional & Statutory Bodies

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma appointed Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

06 Sep 2026 · The Lieutenant Governor is the President's appointee and chief administrator for Union Territories, acting as the central government's representative, with varying powers depending on the UT's legislative status.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Lieutenant Governor in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Lieutenant Governor

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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