The Vice-President of India

5 min

The Second Highest Constitutional Office and Rajya Sabha Head

The Golden Rule

The Vice-President is the second highest office in India, elected by an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament. He serves as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha and acts as President during a vacancy.

Exam Importance

Frequent questions on the difference between President and VP election composition.
Articles 63 to 71 are crucial for SSC, Railway, and State PCS exams.
The specific removal procedure in Rajya Sabha is a high-yield topic.

Memory Shortcuts

V-P: Vital Presence in Rajya Sabha (He is the Chairman).
63 to 67: Sequence from Post (63) to Removal (67).
Only MP: Only Members of Parliament vote (No MLAs).

Key Articles & Provisions

Article	Subject	Key Detail
Art 63	The Office	There shall be a VP
Art 64	Ex-officio Role	Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Art 66	Election	Both Houses of Parliament
Art 67	Removal	RS Resolution + LS Agree

The Vice-President's Domain

ELECTORAL

(Both Houses Only)

Both Houses Only

Includes nominated members too.

CHAIRMAN

(Rajya Sabha Head)

Rajya Sabha Head

Presides over Rajya Sabha sessions.

REMOVAL

(Starts in RS)

Starts in RS

Needs effective majority in RS.

ACTING PREZ

(Temporary Proxy)

Temporary Proxy

Acts for max 6 months.

Exam Traps to Avoid

State MLAs vote in VP electionOnly Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs vote

Unlike President election, States have zero role in electing the VP.

Nominated members cannot vote for VPBoth Elected and Nominated MPs vote

Nominated members vote for VP but not for President.

VP is a member of Rajya SabhaVP is NOT a member of either House

He is the Chairman but not a member of the House.

Quick Practice Quiz

Q1.Who among the following does NOT participate in the election of the Vice-President?

Q2.To remove the Vice-President, a resolution must be first introduced in:

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