Mr. Tarun Gogoi was born on April 1, 1936 to Late Dr. Kamaleshwar Gogoi and Late Usha Gogoi at Rangajan Tea Estate in Jorhat district. He was a student of J B College, Jorhat wherefrom he took his B.A. Degree. He studied Law and took LL.B Degree from Gauhati University. Mr. Gogoi started his career as a lawyer and simultaneously engaged himself in socio political activities. Since student-life, qualities of leadership were evident in him when he held important position in Students' Union including Commandership of Students' Volunteer Corps.

In 1968, he was elected as a member of Jorhat Municipal Board. By this time, he established his credentials as a capable youth leader of Assam. Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spotted this promising young talent and in 1971 entrusted him with the responsibility of organising the youth community of the State. In that year itself i.e. 1971, Mr. Gogoi was elected to the 5th Lok Sabha. In 1976, he became the Joint Secretary of All India Congress Committee. He was re-elected to the 6th Lok Sabha in 1977. Then again, he was re-elected to the 7th Lok Sabha in 1983. He became the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee in 1985. During 1986-90, he served as the President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.

For the 4th time, he was elected to the 10th Lok Sabha in 1991.

During 1991-93, he was the Union Minister of Food (Independent Charge). From 1993 to 1995, he held the portfolio of Food Processing Industry as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge).

During 1996-98, he was elected Member of Assam Legislative Assembly from Margherita Constituency. He was elected as a member of Parliament for the firth time in 1998 to the 12th Lok Sabha. Again in 1999, Mr. Gogoi was re-elected to the 13th Lok Sabha. From 1996 to March 2002 , he was the President of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee.On 18th May 2001 he was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Assam.Subsequently after few months he was elected from Titabor Constituency to the Assam Legislative Assembly. his able leadership

Under his able leadership the Congress Party in Assam has won all the elections since 1998.

Mr. Gogoi is a widely - travelled man. His favorite pastime is reading and gardening. He loves sports too. He married Smti Dolly Gogoi in 1972 and they are blessed with a son and a daughter.

Mr. Gogoi, during his dynamic career, also adorned important positions as Director, Vayudoot;Member, Bar Council of Assam and Chairman, Assam Small Industries Development Corporation.