Constitutional basis
Vice Presidential Election 2025 Schedule Declared: The post of the Vice-President of India is safeguarded by constitutional provisions. According to Article 66(2), the Vice-President cannot be a member of Parliament or any State Legislature.
The term of office is fixed at five years under Article 67, while Article 68(2) ensures that elections must be held promptly if a vacancy arises.
Static GK fact: The Vice-President’s office was established in 1952, with Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan becoming the first to hold the position.
Nomination requirements
A valid nomination for the Vice-Presidential election demands support from 20 proposers and 20 seconders, along with a deposit of ₹15,000. The nomination must also be backed by proof of inclusion in the electoral roll.
This process filters out non-serious contenders and maintains the dignity of the election.
Voting mechanism
The election is decided by an Electoral College made up of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, including nominated representatives.
The system of proportional representation with the single transferable vote is applied, and voting is conducted through a secret ballot. Unlike the Presidential election, the value of each vote is equal in the Vice-Presidential election.
Static GK Tip: The President’s election considers vote value based on state populations, but the Vice-President’s election assigns equal weight to every MP’s vote.
Political neutrality
The Anti-Defection Law does not apply to this election, meaning no political party can issue a whip to control voting choices. This provision safeguards the independence of parliamentarians.
Once elected, the Vice-President automatically assumes the role of Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, playing a vital part in guiding debates and maintaining legislative order.
Eligibility conditions
The Constitution sets specific eligibility norms for the office. A candidate must be:
- A citizen of India
- At least 35 years of age
- Eligible for election to the Rajya Sabha
- Not holding any office of profit under government or local authorities
Static GK fact: The Vice-President is regarded as the second-highest constitutional functionary in India, ranking immediately after the President.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Vice Presidential Election 2025 Schedule Declared:
| Topic | Detail |
| Constitutional Articles | Articles 66, 67, 68 |
| Tenure of Vice-President | 5 years |
| First Vice-President | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952) |
| Electoral College | Members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha |
| Voting system | Proportional representation with single transferable vote |
| Voting method | Secret ballot |
| Value of vote | Equal value, i.e., 1 |
| Nomination requirement | 20 proposers, 20 seconders, ₹15,000 deposit |
| Presiding role | Ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha |
| Eligibility | Citizen of India, 35 years minimum age, Rajya Sabha qualification, no office of profit |
