The governor of West Bengal is the nominal head of the Indian state of West Bengal. The governor is appointed by the President of India. R. N. Ravi is the incumbent governor since 12 March 2026.
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Powers and functions
The governor enjoys many different types of powers:
Executive powers related to administration, appointments and removals;
Legislative powers related to lawmaking and the state legislature, that is Vidhan Sabha or Vidhan Parishad;
Discretionary powers to be carried out according to the discretion of the governor.
Ex officio role of governor
In his ex officio capacity, the governor of West Bengal is Chancellor of the universities of West Bengal (37 as of June 2026) as per the Acts of the Universities. The Universities are:
Aliah University
Alipurduar University
Baba Saheb Ambedkar Education University
Bankura University
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay
Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University
Darjeeling Hills University
Dakshin Dinajpur University
Diamond Harbour Women's University
Harichand Guruchand University
Hindi University
Jadavpur University
Kanyashree University
Kazi Nazrul University
Mahatma Gandhi University
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology
Murshidabad University
Netaji Subhas Open University
North Bengal University
Presidency University, Kolkata
Rabindra Bharati University
Raiganj University
Rani Rashmoni Green University
Sadhu Ramchand Murmu University of Jhargram
Sidho Kanho Birsha University
The Sanskrit College and University
University of Burdwan
University of Gour Banga
University of Kalyani
University of Calcutta
Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya
Vidyasagar University
Visva Bharati, here the governor is the Pradhana (Rector).
National University of Juridical Sciences
West Bengal State University
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences
West Bengal University of Health Sciences
The governor is also the chairman or president of some organisations, such as Victoria Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies (MAKAIAS), Calcutta Cultural Centre (Kolkata Kala Kendra), Special Fund for R&R of Ex-servicemen, West Bengal Rajya Sainik Board, Sri Aurobindo Samiti, Indian Red Cross Society - West Bengal State Branch, St. John Ambulance Brigade No. II (West Bengal) District, Bharat Scouts and Guides, and the Bengal Tuberculosis Association.
The governor of West Bengal’s Welfare Fund has the governor as its chairman. Contributions from this fund are given to the needy people for meeting, to some extent, the cost of their treatment. Besides the above, at his discretion, the governor accepts the position of Chief Patron/Patron or other posts in the honorary capacity, in various organisations that are rendering yeoman service to society in different fields.
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Legend
† Died in office
§ Transferred
‡ Resigned/removed
Color key
indicates acting/additional charge
Oath
Ami, [Apnar Naam], Ishwarer naame shapath korchhi je, ami faithful bhabe [State-er Naam]-er Governor-er office execute korbo (othoba Governor-er shob functions discharge korbo) ebong ami amar best ability diye Constitution ar law-ke preserve, protect, ar defend korbo. Ami nijeke [State-er Naam]-er manushder service ar well-being-er jonne devote korbo."