NDA (I) 2025 General Ability Test · Question 59 of 150

Correct — A, a majority of Rajya Sabha members are elected by proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Of the Rajya Sabha's 245 seats, 233 are filled by representatives of the states and Union territories, who are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation with a single transferable vote (only 12 are nominated by the President). Since 233 out of 245 is a clear majority, statement (a) is correct.

• (b)The Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha is nominated by the President from among the members of the Rajya Sabha — False — the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is ELECTED by the Rajya Sabha itself from among its members; the President does not nominate the Deputy Chairman.
• (c)The Lok Sabha cannot be dissolved before the completion of its five year term — False — the Lok Sabha can be dissolved early by the President (usually on the advice of the Council of Ministers, or when no government can be formed); its five-year term is a maximum, not a fixed minimum.
• (d)The members of Lok Sabha also vote in the election of the members of Rajya Sabha — False — Rajya Sabha members representing the states are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies, not by members of the Lok Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the permanent upper house: it is never dissolved, and one-third of its members retire every two years. Article 80 fixes its composition — up to 238 representatives of states and UTs plus 12 members nominated by the President for expertise in art, literature, science and social service.

Three statements plant common myths — presidential nomination of the Deputy Chairman, an un-dissolvable Lok Sabha, and Lok Sabha MPs electing Rajya Sabha members. Anchor on the real rule: state MLAs elect most Rajya Sabha members by proportional representation with a single transferable vote, which makes (a) the correct statement.

• The Rajya Sabha's sanctioned strength is 245 — 233 elected (states and UTs) plus 12 nominated by the President.
• State representatives are elected by elected MLAs via proportional representation, single transferable vote.
• The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha from among its own members.
• The Rajya Sabha is a permanent house (never dissolved); one-third of members retire every two years, with six-year terms.

• Believing the President nominates the Deputy Chairman — the House elects that officer.
• Thinking the Lok Sabha cannot be dissolved early — five years is a maximum term.

Asked as a true/false statement set on Parliament, or directly on how Rajya Sabha members are elected.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  The elected members of the Rajya Sabha representing the states are chosen by

  • (a)the people directly
  • (b)the members of the Lok Sabha
  • (c)the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies
  • (d)the President

  Answer(c) the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies — by proportional representation, single transferable vote.

• practice — not a real PYQ

  Which one of the following is true of the Rajya Sabha?

  • (a)It is dissolved every five years
  • (b)One-third of its members retire every two years
  • (c)All its members are nominated by the President
  • (d)It is presided over by the Prime Minister

  Answer(b) One-third of its members retire every two years — it is a permanent house.