Rajya Sabha elections: The Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is one of the two houses of India’s Parliament. While the Lok Sabha represents the people directly, the Rajya Sabha gives representation to the states and union territories.
Unlike the Lok Sabha, members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people but by members of state legislative assemblies through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV).
This article — based on the official Rajya Sabha FAQ (published by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat) — explains how Rajya Sabha elections work, who can be elected, how members are nominated, and includes an update on the latest 2025 Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Sabha elections.
What is the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha?
The maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is 250 Members, of which 238 are to be elected and 12 are to be nominated by the President of India.
Explanation: The Constitution of India (Article 80) sets the upper limit for the Rajya Sabha at 250 members. Out of these, 238 members are elected from states and union territories, and 12 members are nominated by the President of India from among persons with special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
How many members does each State have in Rajya Sabha?
The number of members varies from State to State. The Fourth Schedule to the Constitution provides for the allocation of seats to various States and Union Territories. The State of Uttar Pradesh has maximum number of members (31). The States of Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura have got only 1 member each.
Explanation: The Fourth Schedule lays down how many Rajya Sabha seats each state or union territory gets. Uttar Pradesh (31) has the largest representation, while smaller states like Goa and Sikkim have one seat each, ensuring balanced federal representation.
How many members are elected from Union Territories?
Out of seven Union Territories, only two Union Territories namely Delhi and Puducherry are represented in Rajya Sabha as only these two Territories have Assemblies. Four members are elected from these Union Territories (3 from Delhi and 1 from Puducherry).
Explanation: Only Union Territories with a Legislative Assembly can elect Rajya Sabha members since MLAs vote. Delhi elects 3 members and Puducherry 1 member.
What is the term of a member of Rajya Sabha?
The term of a member is six years; but a member elected in a bye-election serves for the remainder of the term of the vacancy caused.
Explanation: Members serve six-year terms, and one-third retire every two years. Bye-election winners serve only the remainder of a term.
What is the method of election of members of Rajya Sabha?
The representatives of the States and of the Union territories in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
Explanation: MLAs of each State Assembly vote for candidates using proportional representation via the single transferable vote (STV), ensuring representation proportional to each party’s strength.
What are the qualifications required for membership of Rajya Sabha?
A person should be a citizen of India; be not less than 30 years of age and should possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed by law made by Parliament.
Explanation: A member must be an Indian citizen, at least 30 years old, and meet any additional criteria defined by law.
Should a member be a domicile of the State from which he is elected?
No. He has to be an elector in a parliamentary constituency anywhere in India.
Explanation: Since 2003, a candidate does not need to be a resident of the state they represent; they just need to be a registered voter anywhere in India.
How are the vacancies in Rajya Sabha filled?
Vacancies are filled by means of a bye-election. The person elected in a bye-election serves only for the remainder of the term of the seat.
Explanation: When a seat falls vacant due to resignation, death, or disqualification, a bye-election is held and the elected member serves the remaining term.
Who nominates the 12 members of Rajya Sabha?
The President nominates 12 members from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, and social service.
Explanation: The President nominates 12 distinguished individuals in art, science, literature, or social service to enrich the Rajya Sabha with expertise.
What is the difference between Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha?
Rajya Sabha represents the States and Union Territories; Lok Sabha represents the people. Rajya Sabha is a permanent House; Lok Sabha is dissolved every five years.
Explanation: Rajya Sabha ensures federal stability, while Lok Sabha reflects popular representation. Both complement each other in the legislative process.
Latest Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Sabha Elections 2025
The Jammu & Kashmir Rajya Sabha elections 2025, held on October 24, 2025, marked the first elections since the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganization of the state into a Union Territory.
Total seats: 4
– Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC): 3 seats
– Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 1 seat
Elected Members:
– Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan (JKNC)
– Sajad Kichloo (JKNC)
– G.S. “Shammi” Oberoi (JKNC)
– Sat Paul Sharma (BJP)
These elections restored J&K’s representation in the Rajya Sabha and highlighted the importance of alliances and proportional voting.
