Key Highlights
- The Vice President must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and not hold any office of profit.
- Only members of both Houses of Parliament vote in the Vice‑President’s election; state legislators are excluded.
- The office lasts five years, renewable indefinitely, and the Vice President becomes Acting President if the President is incapacitated.
Detailed Insights
Eligibility Criteria – A candidate must be a citizen by birth or registration, be 35 years or older, and must not occupy any position that offers salary or benefits from the central, state or public authorities. Additionally, the candidate must qualify as a member of the Rajya Sabha, since the Vice President also serves as its ex‑officio Chairman.
Election Mechanics – The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College composed solely of Members of Parliament (both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). Nominated members of either house are also entitled to vote, unlike the Presidential election where only elected MPs participate.
Term and Continuity – The term is five years from the date of taking office. It may terminate earlier by resignation, removal through a resolution passed by both Houses, or death. There is no cap on the number of terms a Vice President may serve.
Acting Presidency – In the event that the President is unable to perform duties due to death, resignation, removal or illness, the Vice President automatically assumes the role of Acting President until a new President is elected.
Key Concepts
- Office of Profit – A position that provides remuneration or benefits which could compromise the holder’s independence.
- Electoral College – The body that elects the President and Vice President, comprising elected and nominated members of Parliament.
- Rajya Sabha – The upper house of Parliament, whose members include elected representatives from states and nominated experts.
- Acting President – The Vice President’s temporary role when the President’s office is vacant or the President is incapacitated.
- Resignation – Voluntary relinquishment of the Vice President’s office, submitted to the President.