The Dome that crowns Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most distinctive features of the building. Fifty-five meters above the level of the Forecourt, it has the National flag hoisted from its peak. The central dome is twice the height of the building. Bordering the dome are miniature pavilion roofs called chattris and inverted half-dome fountains.

The Central Dome is particularly inspired by Indian architecture. It is said to be inspired by the Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. The bottom of the dome is surrounded by railings that can also be attributed to the Stupa of Sanchi. The dome is clad in copper plates that have acquired a dark finish over the years.

The Central Dome is the only feature of Rashtrapati Bhavan that is visible from Vijay Chowk. There was a controversy regarding the slope between Lutyens and his collaborator, Herbert Baker. Baker was commissioned to build the two Secretariat buildings. He had them planned at the same level as Rashtrapati Bhavan. Lutyens signed the related documents but later realized the implications of it. He understood that, if allowed, Rashtrapati Bhavan’s courtyard would not be visible in its full grandeur from the Vijay Chowk.