The Vice President of India
Comprehensive UPSC Notes (Articles 63-73)
1. Introduction to the Vice President
The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country,
ranking below only the President. The office is established under Article 63 of the Indian
Constitution and falls under Part V (The Union), Chapter I (The Executive). The Vice
President holds a dual role: serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and
acting as a contingent executive who can assume the President's duties in case of
emergencies[1].
Constitutional Basis
Article 63 provides: "There shall be a Vice-President of India"
The office is modeled after the American Vice-President
Articles 63-73 outline the qualifications, election, duties, and removal of the Vice
President
The first Vice President of India was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952-1962), who
later became President[1]
Current Vice President
Jagdeep Dhankhar has been serving as Vice President since August 11, 2022
Previously served as Governor of West Bengal
2. Eligibility and Qualifications
Article 66 specifies the qualifications required for a person to be eligible for the office of
Vice President[2]:
• Must be a citizen of India
• Must have completed 35 years of age
• Must be eligible for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• Must NOT hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state, or
any local authority or other public body
• Must take the oath of office as prescribed in Article 69
• Must be of sound mind and not disqualified under any law
Eligibility for Rajya Sabha
Since the Vice President must be eligible for Rajya Sabha membership, they must also
satisfy:
• Be a citizen of India
• Not be less than 30 years of age (for Rajya Sabha eligibility)
• Possess such other qualifications as prescribed by Parliament
3. Electoral College and Election Process
Article 66(1) outlines the election mechanism[2]:
Electoral College Composition
The Vice President is elected by all elected members of both Houses of Parliament:
• Elected members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People)
• Elected members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• Nominated members of either House do NOT participate in Vice-Presidential
elections (unlike Presidential elections where nominated members can vote)
• Members of state legislatures do NOT participate in Vice-Presidential elections
Voting System
The election uses the single transferable vote (STV) system with proportional
representation
Voting is conducted through a secret ballot
The proportionality principle ensures fair representation
The candidate who secures the required quota of votes is declared elected[2]
Electoral Disputes
Any dispute regarding the election of the Vice President is taken up by the Supreme
Court of India
The Supreme Court's decision is final and binding
Under Article 71(1), the Supreme Court has jurisdiction to determine all disputes
regarding the election
If the election is declared void by the Supreme Court, all acts done before the
declaration remain valid[2]
Important Procedural Points
The election cannot be challenged on the ground that the electoral college was
incomplete (i.e., any vacancy among members)
The Vice-Presidential election is independent of the Presidential election
Different candidates may be elected to these two offices in the same electoral cycle
4. Tenure and Term of Office
Article 67 specifies the term of the Vice President[3]:
Duration of Office
• The Vice President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of entering
office
• The Vice President continues to hold office beyond the term until their successor
enters office
• A Vice President can be re-elected for subsequent terms; there is no bar on
consecutive re-election
• The term of office is fixed and cannot be extended
Early Termination
The Vice President's office can terminate before the expiry of five years through:
1. Resignation – by written submission to the President
2. Removal – through impeachment procedure (Article 67(b))
3. Death – leading to a vacancy
4. Disqualification – ceasing to meet eligibility conditions during tenure
5. Oath and Duties of the Vice President
Article 69 requires the Vice President to take an oath[3]:
Constitutional Oath
The Vice President takes the following oath before assuming office:
"I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of
India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India,
and that I will faithfully and conscientiously discharge the duties of my office."
Primary Duties
The Vice President's primary constitutional duty is to[2]:
• Faithfully perform the duties of office as prescribed by the Constitution
• Uphold the Constitution and the sovereignty and integrity of India
• Maintain parliamentary decorum and the sanctity of proceedings
• Ensure smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha
• Act as the connecting link between executive and legislative branches
• Perform contingent executive duties if required
6. Role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
Article 64 provides that the Vice President is the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of
States[3]:
Powers and Responsibilities
• Preside over proceedings of the Rajya Sabha
• Maintain order and decorum in the house
• Interpret and apply the Rules of Procedure of the Rajya Sabha
• Ensure adherence to parliamentary procedures and conventions
• Decide on points of order and questions of procedure
• Call speakers, recognize members for debate
• Manage the legislative schedule and parliamentary business
• Ensure that all members get adequate opportunity to speak
• Administer oaths to new members
Casting Vote Power
• When there is a tie in voting in the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman (Vice President) has
the casting vote
• The casting vote is used to break the deadlock and enable a decision
• However, the Vice President cannot participate in regular voting as he/she is not an
elected member of the house
• The casting vote power is a crucial legislative tool, especially when houses are
closely divided
Special Role During President's Acting Period
When the Vice President acts as President (Article 65), they cannot perform the
duties of Rajya Sabha Chairman
During this period, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha temporarily assumes
the Chairman's duties
The Vice President continues to hold the title of Chairman but cannot exercise
Chairman's powers
The Vice President is not entitled to the salary or allowance of Chairman while
acting as President[1]
7. Acting as President and Contingent Executive Functions
Article 65 outlines the Vice President's contingent executive role[3]:
When the Vice President Acts as President
The Vice President assumes the office of President when:
1. Death of the President
2. Resignation of the President
3. Removal of the President (through impeachment)
4. Otherwise (covers any other circumstance causing Presidential vacancy)
Discharge of Presidential Functions
The Vice President discharges the functions of the President when the President is:
• Absent from India
• Ill or incapacitated
• Unable to perform duties for any other reason
• The President can authorize the Vice President to act during temporary absences or
incapacity
Duration of Acting as President
• The Vice President acts as President for a maximum of 6 months (after a vacancy in
the office)
• A new President must be elected within 6 months from the date the vacancy is
filled
• If no new President is elected within 6 months, the Vice President's acting period
automatically extends until the new President is elected and enters office
• During this period, the Vice President has all the powers and responsibilities of the
President
Restrictions During Acting Period
• The Vice President cannot perform the duties of Rajya Sabha Chairman while
acting as President
• The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha temporarily assumes the Chairman's
duties
• The Vice President cannot receive the salary or allowance as Rajya Sabha Chairman
during this period
• However, the Vice President receives the President's salary and allowances while
acting as President
8. Conditions of Office
Article 64 specifies restrictions on the Vice President's office[3]:
• The Vice President shall not hold any other office of profit under the Government
of India, any state, or any public authority
• The Vice President cannot be a member of either House of Parliament or the
Legislative Assembly of any state (in practice, though not explicitly stated)
• The Vice President must maintain neutrality in carrying out the role of Rajya Sabha
Chairman
• The Vice President cannot participate in regular voting in the Rajya Sabha as an
elected member
• During the term of office, the Vice President must abstain from activities that might
compromise the constitutional position
9. Removal of the Vice President
Article 67(b) outlines the removal procedure[2][3]:
Grounds for Removal
The Constitution does NOT specify grounds for removal (unlike Presidential
impeachment which requires "violation of the Constitution")
Removal can be initiated on the basis of "want of confidence" by Parliament
This reflects the Vice President's role as a legislative officer first (Chairman of Rajya
Sabha)
Removal Procedure
Step 1: Initiation in Rajya Sabha
• A resolution for removal can only be initiated in the Rajya Sabha (not in the Lok
Sabha)
• The resolution must be passed by an effective majority (majority of all the then
members of the Rajya Sabha)
• At least 14 days' advance notice must be given before moving the resolution
• The Vice President has the right to be heard during the proceedings
Step 2: Lok Sabha Consideration
• After passing in the Rajya Sabha, the resolution is sent to the Lok Sabha
• The Lok Sabha must agree to the resolution by a simple majority (majority of
members present and voting)
• If the Lok Sabha agrees, the Vice President stands removed from office
• If the Lok Sabha disagrees, the removal process ends, and the Vice President
continues in office
Comparative Ease of Removal
Vice President's removal is easier than President's removal
President requires 2/3rd majority in both houses on "constitutional violation"
grounds
Vice President requires effective majority in Rajya Sabha and simple majority in
Lok Sabha on unspecified grounds
This reflects the Vice President's primary role as Rajya Sabha Chairman and
accountability to Parliament[3]
No Removal Has Occurred
No Vice President has ever been removed from office in the history of
independent India
The procedure has remained theoretical despite changing political circumstances
10. Resignation of the Vice President
Article 67(a) provides for voluntary resignation[3]:
• The Vice President may resign from office by writing under his/her hand
• The resignation is addressed to the President
• Resignation is effective immediately or on the date specified
• The Vice President need not give any reason for resignation
• Upon resignation, the office becomes vacant and a new Vice President must be
elected
• Precedent: Vice President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy resigned in 1972 to contest
Presidential elections
11. Powers as Rajya Sabha Chairman
The Vice President as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha possesses powers similar to those of the
Lok Sabha Speaker:
Legislative Powers
• Determination of questions of order – Decide whether a question is in order or not
• Recognition of members – Decide which members can speak
• Admissibility of amendments – Determine if proposed amendments are admissible
• Ruling on procedural matters – Interpret and apply the Rules of Procedure
• Adjournment power – Can adjourn the house or postpone proceedings
• Issuance of directives – Can issue directions to ensure smooth functioning
Disciplinary Powers
• Warning to members – For unparliamentary language or misconduct
• Directing members to leave – Can direct members to leave if they persist in
misconduct
• Suspension of members – Can recommend suspension for serious violations
• Interpretation of conduct – Decides if member conduct violates parliamentary
norms
Casting Vote
• Casting vote in case of tie – Can cast the decisive vote when members are equally
divided
• Exercise of casting vote – Must be exercised in accordance with parliamentary
traditions
• Cannot vote ordinarily – Cannot participate in regular voting
12. Validity of Acts and Election
Article 71 deals with the validity of acts and electoral matters[1][2]:
Validity of Vice-President's Acts
• If the election of a person as Vice-President is declared void by the Supreme Court
• All acts done by that person before the date of declaration remain valid and in
force
• No action can be challenged on the ground that the electoral college was
incomplete
• This protects the continuity of government and prevents disruption of legislative
business
• Acts as Vice-President Chairman remain valid even if election was technically
irregular
Electoral Disputes Resolution
• The Supreme Court of India has exclusive jurisdiction to determine all disputes
regarding the Vice-President's election
• The Supreme Court's decision is final and binding
• Questions regarding the validity of the election can be referred to the Supreme
Court
• The Supreme Court can declare the election void if serious electoral malpractices
are found
• However, valid acts done before the declaration continue to have legal effect
Disqualification Provisions
If a Vice President ceases to meet Rajya Sabha eligibility criteria during tenure,
they may be subject to removal
The Supreme Court can inquire into electoral malpractices or violation of eligibility
conditions
Article 71(2) allows the Supreme Court to decide on all matters related to Vice-
Presidential validity
13. Constitutional Status and Precedence
Order of Precedence
• The Vice President is second in the Order of Precedence after the President
• The Vice President ranks above all other constitutional functionaries
• Reflects the importance of the office in the constitutional hierarchy
Constitutional Rank
• The Vice President is a Union constitutional functionary
• Holds the highest legislative office after the President
• Serves as the head of the Upper House
• Acts as a custodian of Parliamentary traditions through the Rajya Sabha
14. Relationship with President and Executive
Independence from Executive
• The Vice President, as Rajya Sabha Chairman, acts independently from the
Executive
• Cannot be removed by the Executive (only through Parliamentary procedure)
• Maintains impartiality in presiding over parliamentary business
• Not subordinate to the President in legislative matters
Advisory Role
• The Vice President may advise the President on matters concerning Parliament
• Can provide information about the status of legislation and parliamentary
sentiment
• Acts as a bridge between the Executive and the Rajya Sabha
• May be consulted on constitutional matters and legislative priorities
15. Key Differences: Vice President vs President
Aspect President Vice President
Election Electoral College
Parliament only
Method (Parliament + States)
Removal
Violation of Constitution Want of confidence
Grounds
Removal 2/3rd majority in both Effective majority RS +
Majorities houses simple majority LS
Removal
Formal impeachment Simple resolution
Process
Rajya Sabha Chairman
Primary Role Head of State (Executive)
(Legislative)
Term 5 years 5 years
Unlimited re-election Unlimited re-election
Re-election
possible possible
Table 1: Comparison between President and Vice President
16. Vice Presidents of India - Historical Overview
Timeline of Vice Presidents
Key Vice Presidents who have played significant roles:
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1952-1962) – Philosopher, later became President
• Zakir Hussain (1962-1969) – Scholar, later became President
• Varahagiri Venkata Giri (1967-1969) – Later became President
• Hidayatullah, M. (1979-1984) – Distinguished jurist
• R. Venkataraman (1984-1987) – Later became President
• Shankar Dayal Sharma (1992-1997) – Later became President
• K. R. Narayanan (1997-2002) – Later became President
• Bhairon Singh Shekhawat (2002-2007) – First non-Congress Vice President
• Mohammad Hamid Ansari (2007-2017) – Longest serving Vice President
• M. Venkaiah Naidu (2017-2022)
• Jagdeep Dhankhar (2022-present)
Notable Observation
Several Vice Presidents have later become President, highlighting the importance of the
office as a pathway to the Presidency[1][2].
17. Important Constitutional Points for UPSC
Critical Distinctions
• Vice President is NOT an elected member of Rajya Sabha; serves as Chairman
• Vice President cannot vote in regular legislative business but has casting vote in case
of ties
• Vice President cannot be removed on grounds of "violation of Constitution" (only
President can)
• Vice President's removal is easier than President's, reflecting legislative
accountability
• Vice President must maintain neutrality in Rajya Sabha; cannot be a party
functionary while presiding
• The office combines political prominence (contingent executive) with impartial
legislative duties
Rare Situations
• Vacancy in presidency – Vice President acts as President for up to 6 months
• President's absence – Vice President can discharge presidential functions
temporarily
• Tie in Rajya Sabha voting – Vice President uses casting vote (rare but significant)
• Rare removal – No Vice President has ever been removed; threat of removal can
influence political dynamics
18. Article 71 - Electoral Dispute Resolution
Article 71(1) vests jurisdiction in the Supreme Court[2]:
• The Supreme Court determines all questions regarding the election of the Vice
President
• The Supreme Court can inquire into the validity of the election
• Questions may relate to eligibility, procedure, malpractices, or electoral
irregularities
• The Supreme Court's decision is final, no appeal possible
• The Supreme Court cannot examine the conduct of individual voters
• The scope is similar to that for Presidential elections but applied to the Vice
President
19. Key Cases and Precedents
Supreme Court Interpretations
The Supreme Court has affirmed the Vice President's independence as a
constitutional functionary
Established that the Vice President cannot be subjected to undue political pressure
Clarified that the Rajya Sabha Chairman must maintain strict neutrality and
impartiality
Recognized the dual nature of the Vice President's office – contingent executive and
legislative officer
Scholarly Consensus
Constitutional experts emphasize the Vice President's role as a stabilizing force in
Indian politics
The office is seen as crucial for parliamentary governance and constitutional
continuity
The relative ease of removal reflects the office's primary legislative
accountability
20. Important Points for UPSC Preparation
Key Takeaways
• The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office after the President
• Vice President is elected by elected members of both Houses of Parliament only
(not states)
• Vice President has a 5-year tenure with no limit on re-election
• Primary role: Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
• Secondary role: Contingent executive who can act as President if needed
• As Rajya Sabha Chairman, the Vice President has casting vote in case of ties
• Vice President cannot vote ordinarily in the Rajya Sabha
• Removal procedure: Simpler than President's – requires effective majority in Rajya
Sabha and simple majority in Lok Sabha
• No grounds for removal are specified in the Constitution (unlike President's
removal)
• 14 days' notice is mandatory for removal resolution
• Vice President continues in office until successor takes oath, even after 5-year term
expires
• Never been removed in Indian constitutional history
• Several Vice Presidents have later become Presidents
• Acts as President only temporarily (max 6 months after vacancy) until new
President is elected
• Supreme Court has jurisdiction over electoral disputes regarding Vice President's
election
• Acts done before declaration of void election remain valid
• Vice President must maintain neutrality and cannot hold other offices of profit
• Office combines legislative importance with executive contingency
References
[1] Drishti IAS. (2024). Removal of Vice-President. Retrieved from [Link]
m/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/removal-of-vice-president
[2] Vision IAS. (2025). Vice President of India: Understanding the Constitutional Role and
Powers. Retrieved from [Link]
-understanding-the-constitutional-role-and-powers
[3] Clear IAS. (2025). The Vice-President of India. Retrieved from [Link]
ce-president-of-india/
[4] PWOnlyIAS. (2024). The Vice President Of India: Role, Powers And Constitutional
Provisions. Retrieved from [Link]
[5] BYJU'S IAS. (2022). Vice-President of India – Elections, Qualifications. Retrieved from http
s://[Link]/free-ias-prep/vice-president/
[6] Vajira & Ravi UPSC. (2025). Vice President of India, Articles, Election, UPSC Notes.
Retrieved from [Link]
Document Prepared for: UPSC Civil Services Examination Aspirants
Topics Covered: Articles 63-73, Vice-Presidential Election, Powers, Functions, Removal
Last Updated: January 2026