First in India – List of First Male and Female Achievers, full details updated 2025
Introduction
India is a land of pioneers. From science and politics to literature and space, many Indians have achieved remarkable “firsts” that paved the way for future generations. These “First in India” achievements are very important for exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and school-level GK exams.
This article by GyanPulse brings you the most updated list (as of 2025) of notable male and female personalities who were the first to achieve greatness in various fields.
Table of Contents
First in India – Males
| Achievement | Name | Year (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| First President of India | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 1950 |
| First Prime Minister of India | Jawaharlal Nehru | 1947 |
| First Vice President of India | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan | 1952 |
| First Indian to win Nobel Prize | Rabindranath Tagore | 1913 |
| First Indian to win Olympic medal | Norman Pritchard (Athletics) | 1900 |
| First Indian to go into space | Rakesh Sharma | 1984 |
| First Chief Justice of India | Harilal J. Kania | 1950 |
| First Indian Governor-General of India | C. Rajagopalachari | 1948 |
| First Indian to climb Mt. Everest | Avtar Singh Cheema | 1965 |
| First Indian to win Bharat Ratna | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan | 1954 |
| First Indian to win Booker Prize | Arundhati Roy (but she’s female) | 1997 (listed below) |
| First Indian to receive Param Vir Chakra | Major Somnath Sharma | 1950 (posthumous) |
| First Indian Nobel Laureate in Economics | Amartya Sen | 1998 |
| First Indian in International Court of Justice | Sir Benegal Narsing Rau | 1950 |
First in India – Females
| Achievement | Name | Year (if available) |
|---|---|---|
| First Woman Prime Minister of India | Indira Gandhi | 1966 |
| First Woman President of India | Pratibha Patil | 2007 |
| First Woman IPS Officer | Kiran Bedi | 1972 |
| First Indian Woman to win Nobel Prize | Mother Teresa | 1979 |
| First Indian Woman in Space | Kalpana Chawla | 1997 (NASA Mission) |
| First Woman Chief Minister (State) | Sucheta Kriplani (UP) | 1963 |
| First Woman Governor of a State | Sarojini Naidu (UP) | 1947 |
| First Woman to receive Bharat Ratna | Indira Gandhi | 1971 |
| First Indian Woman to win an Olympic medal | Karnam Malleswari | 2000 |
| First Indian Woman to win Miss World | Reita Faria | 1966 |
| First Indian Woman to climb Mt. Everest | Bachendri Pal | 1984 |
| First Woman Speaker of Lok Sabha | Meira Kumar | 2009 |
| First Indian Woman to go solo around the world (sailing) | Navika Sagar Parikrama team member | 2017–18 |
| First Indian Woman to win Booker Prize | Arundhati Roy (The God of Small Things) | 1997 |
📌 Why this is important?
These first achievers set milestones in Indian history. Questions such as ‘Who was India’s first woman IPS officer?’ or ‘Who was the first Indian to travel to space?’ are often asked in exams and quizzes:
- UPSC Prelims and Mains
- SSC CGL, CHSL
- Banking exams
- Railways and Defense exams
- School quizzes and interviews
Learning these not only boosts your GK but also builds inspiration and admiration for those who paved the way.
📝 Summary Table: Quick Revision
| Category | First Male | First Female |
|---|---|---|
| President of India | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | Pratibha Patil |
| Prime Minister of India | Jawaharlal Nehru | Indira Gandhi |
| IPS Officer | — | Kiran Bedi |
| Nobel Prize Winner | Rabindranath Tagore | Mother Teresa |
| In Space | Rakesh Sharma | Kalpana Chawla |
| Bharat Ratna | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan | Indira Gandhi |
| Olympic Medal | Norman Pritchard | Karnam Malleswari |
| Mt. Everest Climber | Avtar Singh Cheema | Bachendri Pal |
| Lok Sabha Speaker | — | Meira Kumar |
Final Words
From politics to science, and literature to sports, the first achievers of India have played an important role in shaping the country’s history. Remembering their names and contributions not only helps in exams but also pays tribute to their pioneering spirit.