Rajya Sabha quiz
The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States. It represents India's States and Union Territories and, unlike the Lok Sabha, is never dissolved.
Key facts about the Rajya Sabha
- It can have up to 250 members: up to 238 representing States and Union Territories, plus 12 nominated by the President.
- Members representing States are elected by the elected members of each State's Legislative Assembly.
- Members serve six-year terms, and one-third retire every second year, so the House is continuous.
- You must be at least 30 to be a member.
- The Vice-President of India is its ex officio Chairman.
- It has special powers, such as allowing Parliament to legislate on a State List subject in the national interest (Article 249).
Try some questions
Tap a question to see the answer and why. In the timed challenge you pick from four options.
What is the Rajya Sabha also called?
Answer: Council of States. The Rajya Sabha is the Council of States, representing India's States and Union Territories. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 79
Can the Rajya Sabha be dissolved?
Answer: No, it is a permanent House. The Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution; one-third of members retire every two years. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 83(1)
What is the term of a Rajya Sabha member?
Answer: Six years. Rajya Sabha members serve six-year terms, with staggered retirements. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 83(1); Representation of the People Act, 1951
What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha under the Constitution?
Answer: 250. The Rajya Sabha can have up to 250 members: up to 238 from States and UTs, and 12 nominated. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 80
How many Rajya Sabha members can the President nominate?
Answer: 12. The President nominates 12 members with special knowledge or practical experience. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 80(1)(a)
Nominated Rajya Sabha members have special knowledge of which fields?
Answer: Literature, science, art and social service. Article 80(3) lists literature, science, art and social service. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 80(3)
How often does one-third of the Rajya Sabha retire?
Answer: Every second year. Staggered retirements keep the Rajya Sabha continuous. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 83(1)
What is the minimum age to become a Rajya Sabha member?
Answer: 30. A Rajya Sabha member must be at least 30 years old. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 84(b)
Which House can pass a resolution letting Parliament legislate on a State List subject in the national interest?
Answer: Rajya Sabha. Under Article 249, the Rajya Sabha can do this by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 249
Which voting system elects Rajya Sabha members from the States?
Answer: Single transferable vote. State MLAs elect Rajya Sabha members by proportional representation using the single transferable vote. Source: Constitution of India, Art. 80(4)