Vice President of India – UPSC Notes
Table of Contents
Important Article VCP
63 The Vice-President of India.
64 The Vice-President to be ex officio Chairman of the Council of States.
65 The Vice-President to act as President or to discharge his functions during casual vacancies in the office, or during the absence, of President.
66 Election of Vice-President.
67 Term of office of Vice-President.
68 Time of holding the election to fill the vacancy in the office of Vice-President and the term of office of person elected to fill the casual vacancy.
69 Oath or affirmation by the Vice-President.
70 Discharge of President’s functions in other contingencies.
71 Matters relating to, or connected with, the election of a President or Vice-President.
72 Power of President to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases.
73 The extent of executive power of the Union
1. Introduction
Brief on the importance of Vice President in Indian polity and its relevance in UPSC.
2. Constitutional Provisions
Articles 63–70, nature of office, ex-officio role, etc.
Internal Link Tip: Link to “President of India UPSC” post if available.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Age, citizenship, qualifications – Article 66
4. Election Process
Electoral college, voting method, who votes, proportional representation.
5. Tenure, Oath, and Resignation
Term of 5 years, resignation to President, etc.
6. Powers and Functions
- Rajya Sabha chairman powers
- Role during President’s absence
- Limitations (not part of executive)
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7. Comparison: President vs Vice President
Add table to compare powers and roles.
8. List of Vice Presidents (Static GK)
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan to Jagdeep Dhankhar (as of 2025).
9. Important Articles for UPSC
Article 63 to 70, Article 71 (disputes), Article 64, Article 66.
10. Vice President in News (Optional)
Latest news or events involving the Vice President.
11. Conclusio
Quick recap + UPSC relevance.
12. FAQs Section (SEO-rich content)
Include FAQs like:
- Who elects the Vice President of India?
- Is Vice President a part of the Executive?
- How is the Vice President removed?
- Who was the first Vice President of India?
Constitutional Provisions
- Articles 63–70 of the Indian Constitution.
- Modeled after the Vice President of the USA.
️ Position and Role
- Second-highest constitutional office in India.
- Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Article 64).
- Acts as President in absence, death, or resignation of the President (Article 65).
Qualifications (Article 66)
- Citizen of India.
- At least 35 years old.
- Qualified to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member.
- Must not hold any office of profit.
Election Procedure
- Elected by an Electoral College:
- Members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha).
- Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote.
- Secret ballot.
- Not involved: State Legislative Assemblies.
Term and Removal
- Term: 5 years, but eligible for re-election.
- Can resign to the President.
- Removed by resolution of Rajya Sabha, agreed by Lok Sabha.
Functions & Powers
- Presides over Rajya Sabha:
- Decides admissibility of motions/questions.
- Ensures orderly conduct.
- Acts as President in:
- Death
- Impeachment
- Resignation
- Absence or illness
- Does not automatically become President (fresh election needed if vacancy is permanent).
Limitations
- No power to vote in Rajya Sabha (except in case of tie).
- Not part of Executive like President.
Important Facts for Prelims
- First VP: Dr. S. Radhakrishnan (1952–1962).
- Current VP (as of 2025): Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- Election disputes: Heard by Supreme Court (Article 71).
Mains Focus (GS Paper 2)
- Role in Legislative Process.
- Comparison with US Vice President.
- Role in maintaining parliamentary decorum.
- Significance during Presidential emergencies.
1. UPSC Prelims 2022
Q. With reference to the Vice President of India, consider the following statements:
- He is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
- He is a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only 1
Explanation: Statement 2 is wrong — Vice President is not a member of Rajya Sabha, though he is its Chairman.
2. UPSC Prelims 2019
Q. Who among the following holds office during the pleasure of the President?
A. Chief Election Commissioner
B. Governor
C. Chairman of UPSC
D. Vice President
A. B. Governor
Vice President is NOT removed by the President’s pleasure — removal process involves Rajya Sabha.
3. UPSC Prelims 2017
Q. Consider the following statements:
- The Vice-President of India is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament.
- He holds office for a term of five years.
- He can be removed by a resolution passed by a majority of the members of the Lok Sabha.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
Statement 3 is incorrect — removal requires Rajya Sabha resolution first.
UPSC Mains Questions (GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity)
1. UPSC Mains 2020 (GS2)
Q. Discuss the role of the Vice President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. How is this office critical to the smooth functioning of the parliamentary system?
2. UPSC Mains 2015 (GS2)
Q. The Vice-President of India is more a legislative officer than an executive. Discuss in the context of his role in Rajya Sabha.
3. UPSC Mains 2013 (GS2)
Q. Examine the procedure for removal of the Vice President of India. How does it differ from the impeachment of the President?
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