Page 17 – Vice-President

Based on M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity (6th Edition)

📖 Part III: Central Government 📄 Page 17 of 60
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Key Idea Summary

Core concepts and exam relevance

Core Concept Summary

The Vice-President (Article 63) is:

  • Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
  • Acting President when needed

This office ensures continuity in governance and links the executive with the Upper House.

📌 Why This Topic is Important for UPSC / State Exams
  • Election procedure – differs from President
  • Differences with President
  • Powers as Chairman of Rajya Sabha
  • Removal procedure
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Election of Vice-President

Key differences from President's election

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Electoral College

  • Only Members of Parliament
  • Both Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha
  • Includes nominated members
  • No MLAs (unlike President)
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Voting Method

  • Proportional Representation
  • Single Transferable Vote
  • Secret ballot
  • Same as President's election method
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Eligibility

  • Citizen of India
  • Age: 35+ years
  • Qualified for Rajya Sabha membership
  • No office of profit
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Removal

  • Resolution by Rajya Sabha
  • Effective majority of RS
  • Agreed by Lok Sabha
  • 14 days notice required
  • No impeachment like President
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Powers of Vice-President

Two distinct roles

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A) As Chairman of Rajya Sabha

  • Presides over RS sessions
  • Maintains order and decorum
  • Decides admissibility of questions
  • Casting vote in case of tie
  • No vote normally (only tie-breaker)
  • Interprets rules of procedure
  • Cannot participate in debates
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B) As Acting President

VP acts as President when:

  • President resigns
  • President dies
  • President removed
  • President unable to function (illness, abroad)

Duration: Max 6 months (new President must be elected)

⚠️ Limitations of Vice-President:
  • No real executive power (unlike President)
  • Cannot dismiss PM or Ministers
  • Cannot issue ordinances (only as Acting President)
  • No veto or emergency powers
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President vs Vice-President

Key differences – frequently asked

Aspect President Vice-President
Electoral College Elected MPs + Elected MLAs All MPs (elected + nominated)
MLAs included? Yes No
Nominated MPs? No Yes
Qualification Qualified for Lok Sabha Qualified for Rajya Sabha
Removal Impeachment (Art. 61) Resolution by RS, agreed by LS
Executive Powers Constitutional head of executive None (except as Acting President)
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Simulation Lab

Vice-President Scenario Explorer

🧪 Succession & Role Simulator

Explore what happens in different scenarios involving the Vice-President.

Scenario Analysis
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Select a scenario to understand VP's role.

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Exam Booster – Practice Questions

Test your understanding

1 Who elects the Vice-President of India?

A Electoral College (MPs + MLAs)
B Only elected MPs
C All MPs (elected + nominated)
D Only Rajya Sabha members
✓ Correct Answer: C – All MPs (elected + nominated)

Vice-President is elected by all Members of Parliament (both elected and nominated). Unlike President's election, MLAs are not included.

2 The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of:

A Lok Sabha
B Rajya Sabha
C Both Houses
D None of the above
✓ Correct Answer: B – Rajya Sabha

The Vice-President is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha (Art. 64). The Lok Sabha has a separately elected Speaker.

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Memory Hooks & Quick Revision

Key takeaways for exam day

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Revision Summary

One-Line Takeaway
"VP = Rajya Sabha boss + national backup plan for President."
3 Exam Points to Remember
  • 1 Electoral College: All MPs (elected + nominated) – NO MLAs
  • 2 Removal: RS resolution (effective majority) + LS agreement (simple majority)
  • 3 Acting President: Can serve max 6 months; gets full presidential powers