Part V - Parliament • Article

Article 84 Simplified: Qualification for membership of Parliament

To be an MP, you must: 1) Be an Indian Citizen. 2) Be at least 25 years old for Lok Sabha or 30 years old for Rajya Sabha. 3) Take an oath to the Constitution. 4) Meet any other rules made by Parliament (like not having a criminal conviction in some cases).

Official Text

A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in Parliament unless he— [(a) is a citizen of India, and makes and subscribes before some person authorised in that behalf by the Election Commission an oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule;] (b) is, in the case of a seat in the Council of States, not less than thirty years of age and, in the case of a seat in the House of the People, not less than twenty-five years of age; and (c) possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Imagine a school election where only students who meet certain rules can run for class president. For Parliament, the rules are: you must be Indian, you must be at least 25 years old (or 30 for the upper house), you must take an oath to the Constitution, and you must not be disqualified by Parliament's laws.

Student Mode

Article 84 sets the qualification requirements for Parliamentary membership: (a) Indian citizenship + oath/affirmation as per the Third Schedule; (b) Age: minimum 25 for Lok Sabha, minimum 30 for Rajya Sabha; (c) Any other qualifications prescribed by Parliament. Note: Disqualifications are covered separately by Article 102.

Example

If a 22-year-old wants to run for election, they are disqualified under Article 84. They must wait 3 more years to be eligible for the Lok Sabha.

Key Takeaway

You must be a qualified, adult citizen to represent the people in Parliament.

FAQs

What is the minimum age to become a Lok Sabha MP?

25 years. For the Rajya Sabha, the minimum age is 30 years.

Does Article 84 set educational qualifications for MPs?

No. The Constitution does not require any educational qualification for an MP — only citizenship, minimum age, oath, and absence of disqualifications.

Can a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) become an MP?

Not easily. An NRI who has not voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship and still holds Indian citizenship can contest, but they would need to be physically present to register as a voter and comply with oath requirements.