Part V - The Union • Article

Article 66 Simplified: Election of Vice-President

The Vice-President is elected by a different Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (both elected and nominated MPs). State MLAs do not vote in this election. The candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, qualified to be a Rajya Sabha member, and hold no office of profit.

Official Text

(1) The Vice-President shall be elected by the [members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament] in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. (2) The Vice-President shall not be a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any State, and if a member of either House of Parliament or of a House of the Legislature of any State be elected Vice-President, he shall be deemed to have vacated his seat in that House on the date on which he enters upon his office as Vice-President. (3) No person shall be eligible for election as Vice-President unless he- (a) is a citizen of India; (b) has completed the age of thirty-five years; and (c) is qualified for election as a member of the Council of States. (4) A person shall not be eligible for election as Vice-President if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State or under any local or other authority subject to the control of any of the said Governments. Explanation.-For the purposes of this article, a person shall not be deemed to hold any office of profit by reason only that he is the President or Vice-President of the Union or the Governor *** of any State or is a Minister either for the Union or for any State.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The Vice-President is elected by all the MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (including nominated MPs). State MLAs do not vote in this. The candidate must be at least 35 years old, a citizen, qualified for Rajya Sabha, and cannot hold another government job.

Student Mode

Details the Vice-Presidential election: (1) Elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (via PR-STV and secret ballot). Note: includes nominated MPs but excludes state MLAs. (2) Cannot be an MP or MLA. (3) Qualifications: Indian citizen, 35+ years old, qualified for Rajya Sabha. (4) Office of profit prohibition.

Example

In a Vice-Presidential election, MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha cast secret ballots to choose the winner using proportional representation.

Key Takeaway

The Vice-President is chosen exclusively by the representatives in Parliament.

FAQs

How does the VP Electoral College differ from the Presidential Electoral College?

The VP Electoral College includes NOMINATED members of Parliament but EXCLUDES all State Legislative Assembly members (MLAs). The Presidential Electoral College excludes nominated MPs but includes elected MLAs.

What are the qualification differences between President and Vice-President?

The President must be qualified for election to the Lok Sabha (House of the People), whereas the Vice-President must be qualified for election to the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).

Quiz

Who is included in the Electoral College for the election of the Vice-President?

Answer: Elected and Nominated members of Parliament

To be eligible for election as Vice-President, a candidate must be qualified to become a member of which house?

Answer: Rajya Sabha