Vice President of India: Election, Powers, Articles, Qualifications & Current VP Notes
Vice-President of India
Constitutional Position
- Article 63 → There shall be a Vice-President of India.
- Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional office in India.
- In the Warrant/Table of Precedence, Vice-President ranks 2nd, immediately after the President.
- He is the Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- The office is broadly modelled on the American Vice-President.
- However, the Indian VP is not a member of the executive government merely by virtue of being VP.
Current Vice-President 2026
| Point | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Name | C. P. Radhakrishnan |
| Number | 15th Vice-President of India |
| Elected | 9 September 2025 |
| Opponent | B. Sudershan Reddy |
| Votes | 452 |
| Opponent votes | 300 |
| Current office | Vice-President + Chairman, Rajya Sabha |
The Election Commission confirmed Radhakrishnan's election on 9 September 2025.
Election of Vice-President
- Article 66 - The Vice-President is elected indirectly.
Who elects the Vice-President?
The Electoral College consists of:
- Members of Lok Sabha - Elected members & Nominated members
- Members of Rajya Sabha - Elected members & Nominated members
State Legislative Assemblies do NOT participate.
| Election | Electoral College |
|---|---|
| President | Elected MPs + Elected MLAs of States + elected MLAs of Delhi & Puducherry |
| Vice-President | Members of both Houses of Parliament only |
| Nominated MPs in President election | No |
| Nominated MPs in VP election | Yes |
| State MLAs in President election | Yes |
| State MLAs in VP election | No |
The Constitution expressly provides that the VP is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament.
Easy Trick
President → Parliament + State Legislatures
Vice-President → Parliament only
Why is there a Difference?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar explained the basic reasoning.
President
The President is the Head of the State and his constitutional role extends to both:
- Union administration
- State administration
Therefore, participation of State Legislatures in Presidential election is justified.
Vice-President
The normal constitutional function of the VP is to: Preside over the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). Therefore, there was no necessity to involve State Legislatures in his election.
One-line exam answer
- President represents the Union + States → State legislators participate.
- VP primarily presides over Rajya Sabha → Only Parliament participates.
Method of Election
The VP is elected through: Proportional Representation + Single Transferable Vote + Secret Ballot
Article 66 - Proportional Representation
- Attempts to provide representation according to the voting strength of the electors.
Single Transferable Vote (STV)
- Voters indicate preferences: 1, 2, 3 etc.
- If a candidate does not obtain the required quota, votes can be transferred according to subsequent preferences.
Secret Ballot
- The vote is confidential.
- No one should know whom the elector voted for.
- Political parties cannot issue a whip for this election.
Important
For VP election, each MP's vote has equal value = 1. This is different from the Presidential election, where votes have different values.
How is the Winner Decided?
- For a two-candidate election: Quota = Valid votes ÷ 2 + 1. Example: If there are 710 valid votes: 710 ÷ 2 = 355. Quota = 356
- In 2022, Jagdeep Dhankhar obtained 528 first-preference votes out of 710 valid votes, so he crossed the quota in the first round.
Disputes Regarding VP Election
- Article 71 - All doubts and disputes relating to the election of: President & Vice-President are decided by the Supreme Court of India.
Important Points
- Supreme Court's decision is final.
- Election cannot be challenged merely because the Electoral College was incomplete.
- If an election is subsequently declared void: Acts already performed by the VP before the declaration are not automatically invalidated.
Exam Trick
President + VP election dispute → Supreme Court
Qualifications
A person must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have completed 35 years of age.
- Be qualified for election as a Rajya Sabha member.
- Not hold an office of profit under: Government of India, State Government, Local authority & Other authority under government control.
These qualifications come from Article 66(3) and 66(4).
Easy Trick
- VP = 35 + Citizen + Rajya Sabha qualification + No office of profit
Nomination Requirements
For a Vice-Presidential candidate:
| Requirement | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| Proposers | 20 electors |
| Seconders | 20 electors |
| Security deposit | ₹15,000 |
Important
- The 20 proposers + 20 seconders requirement was increased to discourage non-serious candidates.
Oath or Affirmation
Article 69 - Before entering office, the Vice-President takes an oath/affirmation:
- To bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.
- To faithfully discharge the duties of his office.
Who administers the oath?
President of India or A person appointed by the President.
Exam Trap
| Office | Oath administered by |
|---|---|
| President | Chief Justice of India / senior-most available SC judge |
| Vice-President | President / person appointed by President |
Conditions of Office
A Vice-President:
- Cannot remain a member of either House of Parliament.
- Cannot be a member of a State Legislature while holding the office.
- Cannot hold an office of profit.
If an MP/MLA is elected VP, his/her seat is deemed vacant when he/she enters the office. Article 66(2) specifically deals with this.
Term of Office
Article 67
- Normal term = 5 years
- Term begins from the date he enters office.
- He can be re-elected.
- There is no constitutional limit on the number of terms.
Important
After five years, the VP does not automatically leave office if the successor has not assumed charge. He continues until the successor enters office. - 5 years = normal term, not necessarily maximum period of holding office.
Removal of Vice-President
Article 67(b)
The Vice-President can be removed by a parliamentary resolution.
Procedure
Step 1 - Rajya Sabha
- A resolution is introduced only in Rajya Sabha. It must be passed by: Effective Majority
- Meaning: Majority of the effective strength of the House.
- Effective strength = Total membership − Vacancies.
Step 2 - Lok Sabha
- The resolution must then be agreed to by Lok Sabha by a simple majority.
- Rajya Sabha → Majority of all the then members of the House (effective majority).
Notice
- At least 14 days' advance notice is compulsory.
Ground for removal?
- The Constitution does not specify any particular ground for removal.
Very Important
- This is NOT impeachment.
The Vice-President can resign by writing to the: President of India
Vacancy in the Office of Vice-President
Vacancy may occur because of:
- Expiry of term
- Resignation
- Removal
- Death
- Election being declared void
- Other disqualification/vacancy circumstances
Two situations are important:
| Type of vacancy | Election |
|---|---|
| Normal expiry of 5-year term | Election must be completed before expiry |
| Casual vacancy due to death/resignation/removal etc. | Election should be held as soon as possible |
Person elected to casual vacancy - The newly elected VP gets a fresh full 5-year term from the date he enters office.
Powers & Functions
A. Ex-Officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Article 64 - The VP is the: Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Main functions
- Presides over Rajya Sabha.
- Maintains order and decorum.
- Interprets and applies the Rules of Procedure.
- Decides points of order.
- Conducts proceedings.
- Gives rulings on parliamentary procedure.
- Ensures orderly functioning of the House.
- Has a casting vote in case of equality of votes.
Article 100 - Normally, the Chairman does not vote. But: If there is a tie → Chairman can exercise casting vote.
Easy Trick
Chairman normally = No vote
Tie = Casting vote
Does VP Have Powers Similar to Lok Sabha Speaker?
- Broadly, yes, in the sense that both are presiding officers.
Speaker of Lok Sabha
- Member of Lok Sabha.
- Presides over Lok Sabha.
- Has specific constitutional powers relating to Money Bills.
- Decides disqualification under Tenth Schedule for Lok Sabha.
Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Vice-President.
- Not a member of Rajya Sabha.
- Presides over Rajya Sabha.
- Decides Tenth Schedule disqualification cases concerning Rajya Sabha members.
Important Powers of Rajya Sabha Chairman
1. Casting Vote
- Under Article 100, in case of equality of votes.
2. Tenth Schedule
- The Chairman decides questions of disqualification of Rajya Sabha members on the ground of defection.
- Important: This is subject to judicial review; the Chairman's decision is not beyond judicial scrutiny.
3. Committees
The Chairman has important powers regarding Rajya Sabha committees, including nominating members to various committees where the rules provide for it.
4. Resignation of Rajya Sabha members
The Chairman deals with resignation of Rajya Sabha members under the constitutional/parliamentary procedure and must determine whether the resignation is voluntary and genuine.
5. Removal motion against judges
The Chairman has procedural authority regarding a motion for removal of a Supreme Court/High Court judge submitted in Rajya Sabha.
Better exam wording: The Chairman can admit or refuse to admit a motion for removal of a judge under the prescribed procedure.
VP as Acting President
Article 65 - The Vice-President acts as President when a vacancy occurs in the office of President because of: Death, Resignation, Removal Otherwise He continues until the newly elected President enters office.
New President's election
In case of a vacancy in the President's office, the election of a new President must be held as soon as possible and, in no case, later than six months from the date of occurrence of vacancy.
When President is Temporarily Unable to Work
The VP discharges the functions of President when the President is unable to perform his functions because of: Absence, Illness, Any other cause. He continues until the President resumes his duties.
Example - If President is temporarily unavailable due to illness or absence:
VP → discharges Presidential functions
What Happens to Rajya Sabha Chairmanship?
Very important!
When the Vice-President acts as President or discharges the functions of President: He does not perform the duties of Rajya Sabha Chairman. Those duties are performed by: Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
Salary During Acting Presidency
When VP acts as President:
- He does not receive the salary/allowances payable to Rajya Sabha Chairman for that period.
- He receives the emoluments, allowances and privileges applicable while acting as President, as provided by law/Second Schedule.
This is directly reflected in Article 64–65.
Important Historical Examples
V.V. Giri
- President Zakir Husain died in 1969.
- V.V. Giri became Acting President.
- He later resigned as VP to contest the Presidential election.
- Gopal Swarup Pathak was subsequently elected VP.
B.D. Jatti
- President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed died in 1977.
- VP B.D. Jatti acted as President.
The VP has acted as President due to a casual vacancy in the Presidency on these occasions.
Indian VP vs American VP
| Feature | 🇮🇳 India | 🇺🇸 USA |
|---|---|---|
| Office | Vice-President | Vice-President |
| Upper House | Chairman of Rajya Sabha | President of Senate |
| Election | Indirectly by Parliament | Elected with President |
| State legislatures | Do not participate | Not applicable in same manner |
| Vacancy of President | VP acts as President | VP becomes President |
| Duration | Until new President assumes office | For remainder of predecessor's term |
| Casting vote | Rajya Sabha tie | Senate tie |
| Main normal role | Rajya Sabha Chairman | Senate President + executive role |
Biggest Difference
- India: VP acts as President temporarily.
- USA: VP succeeds to Presidency and completes the predecessor's remaining term.
"Superfluous Highness" What Does It Mean?
Some constitutional scholars have described the Indian Vice-President as having a relatively limited independent constitutional role.
Why?
Because:
- His primary normal function is Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
- His role as President arises mainly during a vacancy or temporary inability.
- He does not exercise the broad executive role associated with the American VP.
Therefore, the office has sometimes been described as a position with limited independent functions.
But don't conclude that the office is unimportant.
The VP plays a critical constitutional role as:
- Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Presiding officer of the Upper House
- Constitutional substitute during Presidential vacancy/absence
Elections of Vice-Presidents 1952 to 2017
Here is the table you specifically asked for.
| Year | Elected VP | Votes | Runner-up | Runner-up votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1952 | S. Radhakrishnan | Unopposed | — | — |
| 1957 | S. Radhakrishnan | Unopposed | — | — |
| 1962 | Zakir Husain | 568 | N. C. Samantsinhar | 14 |
| 1967 | V. V. Giri | 483 | Mohammad Habib | 193 |
| 1969 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 400 | H. V. Kamath | 156 |
| 1974 | B. D. Jatti | 521 | N. E. Horo | 141 |
| 1979 | M. Hidayatullah | Unopposed | — | — |
| 1984 | R. Venkataraman | 508 | B. C. Kamble | 207 |
| 1987 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | Unopposed | — | — |
| 1992 | K. R. Narayanan | 700 | Kaka Joginder Singh | 1 |
| 1997 | Krishan Kant | 441 | Surjit Singh Barnala | 273 |
| 2002 | B. S. Shekhawat | 454 | Sushil Kumar Shinde | 305 |
| 2007 | M. Hamid Ansari | 455 | Najma Heptulla | 222 |
| 2012 | M. Hamid Ansari | 490 | Jaswant Singh | 238 |
| 2017 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 516 | Gopalkrishna Gandhi | 244 |
The historical election figures are compiled from Election Commission/Parliamentary election material and election records.
Latest VP Elections - 2022 & 2025
Your original notes stop at 2017, so these must be added.
| Year | Winner | Votes | Runner-up | Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 528 | Margaret Alva | 182 |
| 2025 | C. P. Radhakrishnan | 452 | B. Sudershan Reddy | 300 |
2022
- Valid votes = 710
- Dhankhar = 528
- Margaret Alva = 182
- Dhankhar won in the first round.
2025
- C. P. Radhakrishnan = 452
- B. Sudershan Reddy = 300
- Margin = 152 votes
- Radhakrishnan became the 15th Vice-President of India.
Complete VP List
| No. | Vice-President | Period | Important Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | S. Radhakrishnan | 1952–1962 | First VP; later President |
| 2 | Zakir Husain | 1962–1967 | Later President |
| 3 | V. V. Giri | 1967–1969 | Later President |
| 4 | Gopal Swarup Pathak | 1969–1974 | — |
| 5 | B. D. Jatti | 1974–1979 | Acted as President |
| 6 | M. Hidayatullah | 1979–1984 | Former CJI |
| 7 | R. Venkataraman | 1984–1987 | Later President |
| 8 | Shankar Dayal Sharma | 1987–1992 | Later President |
| 9 | K. R. Narayanan | 1992–1997 | Later President |
| 10 | Krishan Kant | 1997–2002 | Died in office |
| 11 | B. S. Shekhawat | 2002–2007 | Contested Presidential election in 2007 |
| 12 | M. Hamid Ansari | 2007–2017 | Two consecutive terms |
| 13 | M. Venkaiah Naidu | 2017–2022 | — |
| 14 | Jagdeep Dhankhar | 2022–2025 | Resigned in July 2025 |
| 15 | C. P. Radhakrishnan | 2025–Present | Current VP |
The official VP website currently identifies C. P. Radhakrishnan as Vice-President and Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
Articles Related to Vice-President
This is a must-memorise table for AFCAT/SSC/UPSC-type exams.
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 63 | Vice-President of India |
| 64 | VP as Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| 65 | VP to act as President / discharge Presidential functions |
| 66 | Election of Vice-President |
| 67 | Term of office |
| 68 | Election to fill VP vacancy |
| 69 | Oath/Affirmation |
| 70 | Discharge of President's functions in other contingencies |
| 71 | Matters relating to election of President & VP |
Super Shortcut
63 = VP exists
64 = Chairman
65 = President ka kaam
66 = Election
67 = Term/Removal
68 = Vacancy election
69 = Oath
70 = Other contingencies
71 = Election disputes
Most Important Exam Facts
Memorise these first:
- Article 63 → Vice-President
- Article 64 → Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- Article 65 → Acts as President
- Article 66 → Election
- Article 67 → Term + Removal
- Article 68 → Vacancy
- Article 69 → Oath
- Article 71 → Election disputes
- Minimum age = 35 years
- Qualification = Rajya Sabha
- Electoral College = Both Houses of Parliament
- Nominated MPs can vote
- State MLAs cannot vote
- STV + Proportional Representation
- Secret ballot
- Election dispute → Supreme Court
- Removal starts only in Rajya Sabha
- Removal → Effective Majority in Rajya Sabha + Simple Majority agreement in Lok Sabha
- 14 days' notice required
- No specific ground for removal in Constitution
- VP can be re-elected any number of times
- VP is not a member of Parliament
- Casting vote in Rajya Sabha tie
- When VP acts as President → Deputy Chairman performs Rajya Sabha Chairman's duties
- Current VP → C. P. Radhakrishnan
- 15th Vice-President
- 2025 election → Radhakrishnan 452, B. Sudershan Reddy 300
One-Line Revision Formula
VP = 63–71 | 35 years | Rajya Sabha | Parliament only | PR + STV | Secret ballot | 5 years | Effective Majority RS + Simple Majority LS | Chairman RS | Acting President | SC decides election dispute.