| Name of the CM | Duration | Party | Home Constituency |
| Prime ministers of Cochin (1947–49) | |||
| P. Govinda Menon | 14-08-1947 – 22-10-1947 | Independent | NA |
| T. K. Nair | 27-10-1947 – 20-09-1948 | ||
| E. Ikkanda Warrier | 20-09-1948 – 01-07-1949 | ||
| Prime ministers of Travancore-Cochin (1949–50) | |||
| Paravoor T. K. Narayana Pillai | 01-07-1949 – 26-01-1950 | Indian National Congress | NA |
| Chief ministers of Travancore-Cochin (1950–56) | |||
| Paravoor T. K. Narayana Pillai | 26-01-1950 – 28-02-1951 | Indian National Congress | NA |
| C. Kesavan | 26-01-1950 – 12-03-1962 | NA | |
| A. J. John | 12-03-1962 – 16-03-1954 | NA | |
| Pattom A. Thanu Pillai | 16-03-1954 – 10-02-1955 | Praja Socialist Party | NA |
| P. Govinda Menon | 10-02-1955 – 23-03-1956 | Indian National Congress | NA |
| Vacant (23 March 1956 – 31 October 1956) | |||
| Chief ministers of Kerala | |||
| Vacant (1 November 1956 – 5 April 1957) | |||
| E. M. S. Namboodiripad | 05-04-1957 – 31-07-1959 | Communist Party of India (CPI) | Nileshwaram |
| Vacant (31 July 1959 – 22 February 1960) | |||
| Pattom A. Thanu Pillai | 22-02-1960 – 26-09-1962 | Praja Socialist Party (PSP) | Thiruvananthapuram |
| R. Sankar | 26-09-1962 – 10-09-1964 | Indian National Congress | Nattika |
| Vacant (10 September 1964 – 25 March 1965) | |||
| Vacant (25 March 1965 – 6 March 1967) | |||
| E. M. S. Namboodiripad (Second Term) | 06-03-1967 – 01-11-1969 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Nileshwaram |
| C. Achutha Menon | 01-11-1969 – 03-08-1970 | Communist Party of India (CPI) | Kottarakkara |
| Vacant (4 August 1970 – 3 October 1970) | |||
| C. Achutha Menon | 04-10-1970 – 25-03-1977 | Communist Party of India (CPI) | Kottarakkara |
| K. Karunakaran | 25-03-1977 – 25-04-1977 | Indian National Congress | Mala |
| A. K. Antony (First Term) | 27-04-1977 – 27-10-1978 | Indian National Congress | Cherthala |
| P. K. Vasudevan Nair | 29-10-1978 – 07-10-1979 | Communist Party of India (CPI) | Pathanapuram |
| C. H. Mohammed Koya | 12-10-1979 – 01-12-1979 | Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) | Manjeri |
| Vacant (5 December 1979 – 25 January 1980) | |||
| E. K. Nayanar (First Term) | 25-01-1980 – 20-10-1981 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Malampuzha |
| Vacant (21 October 1981 – 28 December 1981) | |||
| K. Karunakaran (Second Term) | 28-12-1981 – 17-03-1982 | Indian National Congress | Mala |
| Vacant (17 March 1982 – 23 May 1982) | |||
| K. Karunakaran (Third Term) | 24-05-1982 – 25-03-1987 | Indian National Congress | Mala |
| E. K. Nayanar (Second Term) | 26-03-1987 – 17-06-1991 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Malampuzha |
| K. Karunakaran (Fourth Term) | 24-06-1991 – 16-03-1995 | Indian National Congress | Mala |
| A. K. Antony (Second Term) | 22-03-1995 – 09-05-1996 | Indian National Congress | Cherthala |
| E. K. Nayanar (Third Term) | 20-05-1996 – 13-05-2001 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Malampuzha |
| A. K. Antony (Third Term) | 17-05-2001 – 29-08-2004 | Indian National Congress | Cherthala |
| Oommen Chandy (First Term) | 31-08-2004 – 12-05-2006 | Indian National Congress | Puthuppally |
| V. S. Achuthanandan | 18-05-2006 – 14-05-2011 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Malampuzha |
| Oommen Chandy (Second Term) | 18-05-2011 – 24-05-2016 | Indian National Congress | Puthuppally |
| Pinarayi Vijayan (First Term) | 25-05-2016 – 19-05-2021 | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Dharmadam |
| Pinarayi Vijayan (Second Term) | 20-05-2021 – Present | Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) | Dharmada |
Sri E. M. S. Namboodiripad, popularly known as EMS, was the first Chief Minister of Kerala and India’s first democratically elected Communist leader. A Marxist thinker and reformist, EMS introduced land reforms, education reforms, and measures to reduce caste inequalities. His government faced opposition from vested interests, leading to the dismissal of his first ministry in 1959 under Article 356. He returned in 1967, continuing his socialist agenda. EMS is remembered as a visionary leader who laid the foundations of Kerala’s progressive model.
Sri Pattom Thanu Pillai, leader of the Praja Socialist Party (PSP), became Kerala’s second CM. A veteran freedom fighter, his government emphasized education, administrative efficiency, and rural development. Though his tenure was short, he helped stabilize governance after EMS’s dismissal.
Sri R. Sankar, a Congress leader, became the first Christian Chief Minister of Kerala. His government focused on expanding education, improving infrastructure, and minority welfare. However, his tenure faced political instability, eventually leading to President’s Rule.
Sri C. Achutha Menon, from the Communist Party of India (CPI), is remembered as one of Kerala’s most efficient administrators. His government emphasized industrial development, cooperative movements, and poverty alleviation programs. He also laid the foundation for the state’s emphasis on science and technology, which later became a hallmark of Kerala’s growth.
Sri K. Karunakaran, a Congress stalwart, served four terms as CM. Known as Kerala’s “Leader of Development”, he oversaw major projects such as the Cochin International Airport and road infrastructure development. However, his first term was short-lived due to controversies. Karunakaran played a key role in shaping Kerala’s Congress politics and remained a dominant figure for decades.
Sri A. K. Antony, known for his clean image and simplicity, served three terms. As CM, he introduced education reforms, anti-corruption measures, and welfare schemes. His governance style earned him the reputation of being one of Kerala’s most respected Congress leaders. Later, he became India’s Defence Minister.
Sri P. K. Vasudevan Nair of the CPI became CM in 1978. His tenure was short but saw efforts to strengthen education, improve literacy rates, and expand social justice policies.
Sri C. H. Mohammed Koya, from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), became the first and only Muslim CM of Kerala so far. His government was short-lived but significant for minority representation. He emphasized education and social welfare.
Sri E. K. Nayanar, from the CPI(M), is Kerala’s longest-serving Chief Minister with three terms. A committed Marxist, his governments launched land reforms, literacy missions, poverty alleviation programs, and industrial projects. He is remembered as a mass leader who connected deeply with the working class.
Sri Oommen Chandy, representing the Congress, served two terms. He is best known for his people-centric governance, introducing schemes like Karunya Benevolent Fund, welfare pensions, and IT development. His Mass Contact Programme (direct interaction with citizens) earned him global recognition. He was deeply loved across party lines and remembered as one of Kerala’s most approachable leaders.
Sri V. S. Achuthanandan, a senior CPI(M) leader, became CM at the age of 82. His government focused on anti-corruption, environmental protection, housing for the poor, and IT development (Smart City project in Kochi). A strong advocate for the common man, VS is regarded as a symbol of integrity and honesty in Kerala politics.
Sri Pinarayi Vijayan, current CM from CPI(M), became the first leader in Kerala to be re-elected consecutively (2016 and 2021). His government has focused on rebuilding Kerala after floods, strengthening healthcare (notably during COVID-19), infrastructure projects, and digital governance. He is a decisive leader known for strong administrative control and continues to play a central role in Kerala’s Left politics.
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