Rajya Sabha Election
- Context : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, which will be held to fill 37 seats set to fall vacant across 10 States in April 2026.
Election of Rajya Sabha
- The maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250 members.
- 12 members are nominated by the President of India for their expertise in literature, science, art, or social service.
- The remaining members are elected representatives of States and Union Territories.
- Members are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs).
- The election is conducted through the system of proportional representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (STV).
- MLAs of Delhi and Puducherry elect Rajya Sabha members from their respective Union Territories.
- Some Union Territories such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Chandigarh, and Ladakh do not have representation in the Rajya Sabha.
- Jammu and Kashmir has representation in the Rajya Sabha.
- Unlike the Lok Sabha, whose members are directly elected by citizens, Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by elected representatives of State Assemblies.
Rajya Sabha Member Qualification
- Minimum age to become a Rajya Sabha MP is 30 years.
- A candidate must be an elector in a parliamentary constituency of the State or Union Territory from which they are contesting.
- The term of office is six years.
- One-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring periodic renewal.
- The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House and is never dissolved.
