The Union Parliament — Part 2: The Rajya Sabha: visual lesson, ICSE Class 10 History & Civics (H.C.G. Paper 1)

Lesson

The Rajya Sabha: Council of States

Part 2 — composition, election, term and Presiding Officer of the Rajya Sabha.

In this lesson you will

Describe the composition of the Rajya Sabha and how its members are chosen
Explain why the Rajya Sabha is a permanent House
Compare the two Houses and plan a 10-mark answer

Present strengths as of 2024.
Feature	Lok Sabha	Rajya Sabha
Also called	House of the People	Council of States
Chosen by	voters, by direct election	elected MLAs; 12 nominated by the President
Maximum size	550 elected	250 (238 elected + 12 nominated)
Present strength	543	245
Minimum age	25	30
Term	5 years; can be dissolved	permanent; members serve 6 years
Presiding officer	Speaker (elected by members)	Vice-President (ex-officio Chairman)

Concept

Composition

Maximum 250: up to 238 representatives of the States and Union Territories and 12 members nominated by the President. Present strength 245 (as of 2024).

Seats are shared among the States roughly by population
Nominated members: special knowledge in literature, science, art and social service

Table: up to 238 representatives of States and Union Territories plus 12 nominated, a maximum of 250
Part	Number
Representatives of States and UTs	up to 238
Nominated by the President	12
Maximum	250

Diagram

How members are chosen

How the Rajya Sabha is chosen

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