The Rajya Sabha, the Council of States
The permanent upper House where the states are represented, elected by MLAs and never dissolved.
What the paper can ask
- First sat on 13 May 1952; members are elected by state MLAs through proportional representation by single transferable vote; 12 are nominated by the President.
- A permanent House that is never dissolved; its members retire in rotation, so the House is renewed bit by bit.
- The Rajya Sabha has a few special powers that the Lok Sabha does not have, tied to its role as the House of the states.
- The Deputy Chairman is elected from among the members and presides when the Chairman is away; Harivansh Narayan Singh was elected for a third term on 17 April 2026. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Nominated members cannot vote in the election of the President.
Latest
Current strength 245 (233 elected, 12 nominated). The ex officio Chairman is the Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, in office since 12 September 2025.
Why exams ask
Setters ask the maximum strength and the Article, the Schedule allotting seats, the fields of nominated members, the term, the minimum age, the Chairman, and the special resolutions.
The full story
The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, is the upper House under Article 80. Members are elected indirectly by state MLAs by proportional representation with the single transferable vote, plus a small group nominated by the President for distinction in certain fields. It is permanent: never dissolved, with members retiring in rotation. A Chairman who is not a member presides. On confidence in the government, only the Lok Sabha counts.
In the news
Test yourself
1.The allocation of seats in the Rajya Sabha to States and Union Territories is given in which Schedule?
Correct. The Fourth Schedule allocates Council of States seats. The First Schedule lists States and Union Territories, the Second deals with salaries and emoluments.
Not quite. The Fourth Schedule allocates Council of States seats. The First Schedule lists States and Union Territories, the Second deals with salaries and emoluments. It goes into your error book.
2.Who is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?
Correct. Article 64 makes the Vice-President of India the ex officio Chairman of the Council of States.
Not quite. Article 64 makes the Vice-President of India the ex officio Chairman of the Council of States. It goes into your error book.
3.The minimum age for membership of the Rajya Sabha is
Correct. Article 84(b): not less than thirty years for the Council of States and not less than twenty-five years for the House of the People.
Not quite. Article 84(b): not less than thirty years for the Council of States and not less than twenty-five years for the House of the People. It goes into your error book.