Vice Presidents of India
The Vice President of India is the nation's second-highest constitutional authority and serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, playing a key role in legislative and executive functions.
The Vice President of India holds the second-highest constitutional office and serves a five-year term but continues in office until a successor takes over. In case of a vacancy, the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson or another member authorized by the President performs their duties. the current Vice President of the Republic of India is Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan and holds office since 12 September 2025.
How the Vice President is Elected in India?
The election details of Vice President of India are mentioned below:
- The Vice President of India is not elected directly by the public.
- They are elected indirectly by an Electoral College.
- The election process is similar to that of the President, but the composition of the Electoral College differs.
Other Details on Election of Vice President
Some other significant details on election of Vice President of India are mentioned below:
Electoral College for Vice President
- Includes both elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
- State legislatures do not participate in the election of Vice President.
Here is a list of the Vice Presidents of India from its formation in 1952 to the present in 2026:
Name | Home State | Party | Duration |
Chandrapuram Ponnusami Radhakrishnan | Tamil Nadu | Bharatiya Janata Party | 12 September 2025 – present |
Jagdeep Dhankhar | Rajasthan | Bharatiya Janata Party | 11 Aug 2022 - 21 July 2025 |
Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu | Andhra Pradesh | Bharatiya Janata Party | 11 Aug 2017 - 11 Aug 2022 |
Mohammad Hamid Ansari | West Bengal | Indian National Congress | 11 Aug 2007 - 11 Aug 2017 |
Bhairon Singh Shekhawat | Rajasthan | Bharatiya Janata Party | 19 Aug 2002 - 21 Jul 2007 |
Krishan Kant | Punjab | Janata Dal | 21 Aug 1997 - 27 Jul 2002 |
Kocheril Raman Narayanan | Kerala | Indian National Congress | 21 Aug 1992 - 24 Jul 1997 |
Shankar Dayal Sharma | Madhya Pradesh | Indian National Congress | 3 Sep 1987 - 24 Jul 1992 |
Ramaswamy Venkataraman | Tamil Nadu | Indian National Congress | 31 Aug 1984 - 24 Jul 1987 |
Mohammad Hidayatullah | Madhya Pradesh | Independent | 31 Aug 1979 - 31 Aug 1984 |
Basappa Danappa Jatti | Karnataka | Indian National Congress | 31 Aug 1974 - 31 Aug 1979 |
Gopal Swarup Pathak | Uttar Pradesh | Independent | 31 Aug 1969 - 31 Aug 1974 |
Varahagiri Venkata Giri | Odisha | Independent | 13 May 1967 – 3 May 1969 |
Zakir Husain | Andhra Pradesh | Independent | 13 May 1962 – 13 May 1967 |
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan | Tamil Nadu | Independent | 13 May 1952 – 13 May 1962 |
Key Differences from Presidential Election
- In the Presidential election, the Electoral College constitutes only elected members of the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies.
- Nominated members are excluded from electing the President but included in the Vice President’s election.
- Unlike election of President, the elected MLAs do not participate in electing the Vice President.
Voting System Used
- The election follows the principle of Proportional Representation.
- Voting is conducted by means of a single transferable vote.
- Secret ballots are used in the election process.
Powers and Functions of the Vice President of India
Here are the details on powers and functions of Vice President of India:
1. Ex-Officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
- The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.
- The powers and functions are similar to those of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
- Responsible for maintaining order and decorum during parliamentary sessions and deciding on points of order.
2. Acting as the President of India
The Vice President acts as the President under the following conditions:
- Vacancy in the President’s office due to resignation, removal, death or any other reason.
- Can act as President for a maximum of six months, during which a new President must be elected.
- Also steps in temporarily if the President is unwell, absent from the country or unable to discharge the duties for any other reasons.
- During such periods, the Vice President performs all functions of the President until the latter resumes office.
Important Legal Provisions
- On the basis of vacancies in the electoral college, the election of Vice President cannot be challenged.
- If the Supreme Court declares the Vice President’s election void, all official acts performed before the declaration remain valid and legally binding.
Note:
- The Vice President does not perform the duties of the Rajya Sabha Chairperson, while acting as President or discharging presidential functions.
- During this time, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha carries out those responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To become the Vice President of India, a candidate must be:
- A citizen of India.
- At least 35 years of age.
- Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government.
Who Participates in Vice President Election?
The categories of members participating in the Vice-Presidential election are elected members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and the nominated members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
What is the Term of Office of the Vice President of India?
Here is the detail about the term of office of Vice President of India:
- The term of office of Vice President is five-year.
- Resignation submitted to the President
- Removal from office by the Parliament
- Death while in office
- If the election is declared void by a competent court
Can the Vice President Be Impeached Like the President?
No, the Vice President of India is not impeached in the same manner as the President. The President can be formally impeached for “violation of the Constitution”, but no such ground is specified for the removal of the Vice President.
The Vice President is removed under following circumstances:
- The Rajya Sabha can pass a resolution for removal by a majority of its total membership.
- This resolution must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
- This process is not considered formal impeachment.
Note: The disputes related to the Vice President’s elections will be resolved by the Supreme Court of India.
Key Difference Between Vice President and President
The significant differences between a president and Vice President of India are mentioned in the table below:
Feature | Vice President | President |
Rank | Second-highest official | Head of State |
Role in Parliament | Chairperson of Rajya Sabha | Can summon, prorogue, or dissolve Parliament |
Election | By MPs only | By MPs and MLAs |
Acts as President | When needed | No substitute |
Term | 5 years | 5 years |
FAQs on Vice President of India
- How is the Vice President of India elected?
The Vice President is elected by the members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. The election is conducted through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system.
- What are the main duties of the Vice President?
The Vice President preside over the Rajya Sabha, which is the primary role. Until a new President is elected, the Vice President act as the President of India in case of a vacancy.
- Can the Vice President become the President of India?
Yes, Vice Presidents may become the President of India under specific circumstances. Some of the Vice Presidents who have become Presidents are Dr. Radhakrishnan, Dr. Zakir Husain, and K. R. Narayanan.
- What is the term length for the Vice President?
The Vice President serves a five-year term and may get re-elected for multiple terms. There are no term limits under the Constitution.
- Can the Vice President be removed from office?
Yes, the Vice President can be removed from the office if a resolution is passed by the Rajya Sabha with a majority of all its members and agreed upon by the Lok Sabha.
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