Nepal Prime Ministers List – Complete List of Leaders of Nepal

Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country in South Asia, widely known for its majestic Himalayas and the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Apart from its natural beauty, Nepal also has a rich and complex political history.Since unification of Nepal in the late 18th century, the country has experienced many political transformations. It moved from hereditary Rana rule and monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, and finally became a Federal Democratic Republic in 2008.

Because of these changes, many leaders have served as Prime Minister. In total, Nepal has had 39 Prime Ministers, including interim leaders, and several individuals who served multiple times during periods of political change.

Nepal Prime Ministers List

Over the years, the position of Nepal’s Prime Minister has evolved alongside the country’s changing political system. After the 1951 revolution, leadership opportunities expanded beyond aristocratic families, allowing leaders like Matrika Prasad Koirala to become prime minister, although the monarchy still held significant authority.

In 1959, Nepal conducted its first democratic election, and Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala became the country’s first elected Prime Minister. Since then, Nepal has witnessed many political transitions, and the powers and responsibilities of the Prime Minister have continued to change with each era.

Political Eras of Nepal and Their Prime Ministers

Nepal’s leadership history can be divided into four major political periods. Each period had different political systems and leadership styles.

Transition Era (1951–1960)

This period marked the end of the Rana autocratic rule and the beginning of democratic reforms. During this time, the King still had significant influence, and sometimes directly ruled the country.

In 1959, Nepal held its first democratic election, and Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala became the first elected Prime Minister.

Partyless Panchayat Era (1960–1990)

In 1960, King Mahendra dissolved the democratic government and introduced the Panchayat System, which banned political parties.
During this period, the King held ultimate authority, and Prime Ministers were selected by the monarchy.

Constitutional Monarchy Era (1990–2008)

In 1990, a democratic movement forced the monarchy to restore multi-party democracy.

Political parties were allowed again, and the Prime Minister was chosen through elections, though the King still had significant power.

Some major leaders of this period include:

• Krishna Prasad Bhattarai
• Girija Prasad Koirala
• Sher Bahadur Deuba
• Man Mohan Adhikari

This period lasted until 2008, when the monarchy was officially abolished.

Federal Democratic Republic Era (2008–Present)

In 2008, Nepal officially became a Federal Democratic Republic, ending centuries of monarchy.

The Prime Minister became the most powerful political position, while the President acts mainly as the ceremonial head of state.

Some prominent leaders of this period include:

Current Prime Minister of Nepal

As of 2026, Nepal is going through a major political transition.

The current interim Prime Minister is Sushila Karki, who took office on 12 September 2025.

She made history by becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.

Previously, she served as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, known for her strong stance against corruption and commitment to judicial reforms.

Her interim government was formed to maintain stability and conduct national elections.

For details visit https://opmcm.gov.np/pages/former-prime-ministers/

Read: List of Prime Ministers of India From 1947 to 2026 with Photo PDF