How the Vice President of India is Elected?

The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office in the country, just after the President of India. This post was created under Article 63 of the Indian Constitution, which clearly states, ”There shall be a Vice-President of India.”

While the role is somewhere similar to that of the Vice President of the United States, there is one big difference – in India, if teh President’s position becomes vacant, the Vice President only acts as the President until a new President is elected, instead of completing the rest of the term like in the U.S.

Who Elects the Vice President?

The Vice President is not elected directly by the people. Instead, he or she is chosen through an indirect election as per Article 66(1) of the Constitution.

The electoral college for this election includes:

• All elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People)
• All elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

How the Election is Conducted?

The election uses a proportional representation system through a simple transferable vote method. Voting is done through a secret ballot, which means no one can know who a member voted for.

Qualifications to Become Vice President

According to Article 66(3), a person must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a citizen of India
• Must be at least 35 years old
• Must be eligible to become a Rajya Sabha member
• Cannot hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any State Government or any local authority.

If a sitting Member of Parliament or State Legislature is elected as Vice President, they must give up their seat.

Term of the Vice President

As per Article 67, the Vice President’s term is five years from the day they take office. However:

• They can resign anytime by giving a letter to the President of India.
• They can be removed if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution with a majority vote and the Lok Sabha agrees to it. A 14-day notice must be given before such a resolution.
• They can continue in office until the next Vice President takes over.

When there is a Vacancy?

Under Article 68, if the Vice President’s seat becomes vacant because of death, resignation, removal or any other reason, the election must be held as soon as possible. The newly elected Vice President will serve a full five-year term.

Oath of Office

Before officially taking charge, the Vice President must take an oath of office, promising to:

• Be faithful to the Constitution of India
• Perform their duties honestly

The President of India (or someone appointed by the President) administers this oath.

Role in Case of President’s Absence

If the President of India is unable to perform their duties – because of illness, absence or the position being vacant –  the Vice President steps in as the Acting President until a new President is elected or the President resumes daily.