Introduction
The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country. The office plays an important role in maintaining parliamentary functioning and ensuring continuity in the constitutional system.
The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and performs the functions of the President when required under the Constitution. The office is governed primarily by Articles 63 to 71 in Part V of the Indian Constitution.
The Indian Vice President’s office is modelled on that of the United States, although the powers and responsibilities of the two offices differ in important respects.
Who Is the Vice President of India?
Article 63 provides that there shall be a Vice President of India. The office is important for two main reasons: presiding over the Rajya Sabha and providing constitutional continuity when the President is unable to discharge the functions of the office or when a vacancy arises.
The Vice President is elected indirectly by members of both Houses of Parliament, including elected and nominated members.
Eligibility Criteria for the Vice President of India
Under Article 66 and the relevant constitutional provisions, a candidate must meet the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have completed 35 years of age.
- Be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Not hold an office of profit under the Government of India, a state government, or a local or other authority subject to the constitutional exceptions.
A person cannot simultaneously hold the office of Vice President and membership of either House of Parliament or a state legislature. If a sitting legislator is elected Vice President, the seat is deemed vacant when the person enters office.
Election Procedure of the Vice President of India
Article 66 lays down the election procedure for the Vice President.
Electoral College
The Electoral College consists of the members of both Houses of Parliament:
- Elected members of the Lok Sabha
- Nominated members of the Lok Sabha
- Elected members of the Rajya Sabha
- Nominated members of the Rajya Sabha
Unlike the presidential election, members of state legislative assemblies do not participate in the election of the Vice President.
Voting System
The election takes place through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Voting is conducted by secret ballot.
Nomination Requirements
A candidate’s nomination must be supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders. A security deposit of ₹15,000 is also required.
Is the Anti-Defection Law Applicable?
The anti-defection provisions do not operate as a party whip requirement in the Vice Presidential election. Voting is conducted by secret ballot, and electors are not bound by a party whip.
Term of Office and Removal of the Vice President
Term of Office
Under Article 67, the Vice President holds office for five years from the date of entering office. The Vice President may resign by writing to the President and may continue in office until a successor enters office.
The Vice President is eligible for re-election.
Removal Procedure
The Vice President can be removed through a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all its then members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. At least 14 days’ notice of the intention to move the resolution must be given.
This procedure differs from the impeachment procedure applicable to the President.
Powers and Functions of the Vice President of India
The Vice President performs several constitutional and parliamentary functions.
1. Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Under Article 64, the Vice President serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The Chairman presides over proceedings, maintains order and ensures that parliamentary rules are followed.
2. Maintains Parliamentary Discipline
The Chairman interprets procedural rules, decides points of order and regulates debates. These responsibilities are important for ensuring that parliamentary discussions remain orderly and effective.
3. Casting Vote in Case of a Tie
Under Article 100, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha does not ordinarily vote as a member but may exercise a casting vote when votes are equally divided.
4. Acts as President When Required
Under Article 65, the Vice President discharges the functions of the President when the President is unable to do so because of absence, illness or another cause. The Vice President also acts as President when a vacancy arises in the office.
When a vacancy occurs, the Vice President acts as President until a new President is elected. The election must be held within six months of the vacancy.
During this period, the Vice President does not perform the duties of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
5. Represents India on Official Occasions
The Vice President may represent India at official ceremonies, cultural events and international gatherings as part of the office’s conventional responsibilities.
Important Constitutional Articles Related to the Vice President
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 63 | Office of the Vice President |
| Article 64 | Vice President as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha |
| Article 65 | Vice President acting as President or discharging presidential functions |
| Article 66 | Election of the Vice President |
| Article 67 | Term, resignation and removal |
| Article 68 | Time of election to fill a vacancy |
| Article 69 | Oath or affirmation |
| Article 70 | Discharge of presidential functions in other contingencies |
| Article 71 | Matters relating to the election of the President or Vice President |
These provisions form the core constitutional framework governing the office.
The 2025 Vice-Presidential election
Jagdeep Dhankhar, the 14th Vice President, resigned on 21 July 2025, citing health reasons. In the election held on 9 September 2025, C.P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate, won 452 votes and defeated the opposition candidate, former Supreme Court judge B. Sudershan Reddy, by 152 votes. He took office as the 15th Vice President on 12 September 2025.
The vacancy was filled under Article 68(2), which requires an election as soon as possible after a vacancy caused by death, resignation or removal; the person elected holds office for a full five-year term from the date of entering office.
Controversies and Challenges Faced by the Vice President
Although the Vice President is expected to function impartially, the office can face political and institutional challenges.
1. Allegations of Political Bias
As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice President is expected to treat members fairly. Disputes can arise when opposition parties or government members question rulings on debates, motions or parliamentary procedure.
2. Maintaining Order in the Rajya Sabha
Protests, walkouts and repeated adjournments can affect parliamentary productivity. The Chairman must balance the enforcement of parliamentary rules with members’ rights to participate in debate.
3. Political Background and Constitutional Neutrality
Vice Presidents often have political backgrounds. Maintaining impartiality after assuming a constitutional office is essential to preserving public confidence.
4. Powers While Acting as President
When acting as President, the Vice President exercises presidential functions. Questions about the use of these powers can arise in situations involving political uncertainty or urgent policy decisions.
The constitutional framework requires the officeholder to act according to the Constitution rather than personal or party interests.
5. Relationship with the Government and Opposition
Disagreements over parliamentary rulings, public statements or constitutional interpretation can lead to controversy. Such situations underline the importance of institutional restraint and respect for constitutional conventions.
Vice President of India vs Vice President of the United States
Although the two offices share some similarities, their constitutional roles are different.
| Feature | India | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding role | Chairman of the Rajya Sabha | President of the Senate |
| Casting vote | Votes to break a tie in the Rajya Sabha | Votes to break a tie in the Senate |
| Role during presidential vacancy | Acts as President until a new President enters office | Becomes President for the remainder of the term |
| Executive role | Primarily a parliamentary and constitutional role | Part of the executive branch and may perform additional executive functions |
The comparison highlights how similar constitutional titles can operate differently under parliamentary and presidential systems.
Conclusion
The Vice President of India occupies an important position in the country’s constitutional framework. As Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the officeholder helps maintain parliamentary order and facilitate legislative debate. The Vice President also ensures continuity in the presidency when constitutional circumstances require it.
The effective functioning of this office depends on impartiality, respect for parliamentary procedure and adherence to constitutional principles. For students preparing for BPSC, UPSC and other competitive examinations, Articles 63 to 71, the election procedure, removal process and role as Acting President are particularly important areas of study.
Frequently asked questions
Who elects the Vice President of India?
An electoral college of all members, elected and nominated, of both Houses of Parliament. State Legislative Assemblies do not take part. Voting is by proportional representation through the single transferable vote, by secret ballot.
How is the Vice President removed?
By a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all its then members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha, after at least 14 days’ notice. The Constitution does not specify grounds for removal.
Who is the current Vice President of India?
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the 15th Vice President, elected on 9 September 2025 and in office since 12 September 2025, after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned in July 2025.
More BPSC Polity notes
This note is part of our series on the 40 Polity topics for 72nd BPSC Mains GS Paper II. Related notes:
- Preamble of the Indian Constitution
- Constitution, constitutionalism and constitutional morality
- Transformative constitutionalism
- Separation of powers in India
- Fundamental Duties (Article 51A)
- President of India: veto, ordinances and pardons
- Centre–state relations and the Governor
Practise with the Bihar polity and geography previous-year questions, and see where Polity sits in the exam in the BPSC syllabus and exam pattern.