A mode change-over mechanism for a recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprises a drive gear which is effective to drive a cam gear upon the release, by energizing of at least one of a plurality of electro-magnets, of a stopper for the cam gear so that a cam on the latter can effect a longitudinal displacement, in one direction, of a detecting slide which is thereafter spring urged to return to an original position, a plurality of selecting slides individually movable in response to energizing of respective ones of the electro-magnets for selectively limiting the return movement of the detecting slide toward the original position, mode establishing slides individually displaceable for changing-over the apparatus into respective operating modes thereof, a mode change-over lever positionable by the detecting slide for coupling with a selected one of the mode establishing slides in response to the selective limitation of the return movement of the detecting slide toward its original position, and a drive assembly adapted to be powered from the drive gear for effecting a drive stroke of the mode change-over lever and thereby displacing the mode establishing slide with which the mode change-over lever has been coupled.