Published: 31 August 2025PIBGovernance
Vice Presidential Election 2025: Constitutional Significance and Process
The 2025 Vice Presidential election, triggered by the mid-term resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar in July 2025, highlighted important constitutional provisions governing the second-highest constitutional office in India. The election was conducted by the Election Commission of India on September 9, 2025, with the electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament, unlike the Presidential election which also includes elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
Under Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The Vice President must be a citizen of India, have completed 35 years of age, and be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
C.P. Radhakrishnan's election as the 15th Vice President underscores the NDA's strong parliamentary majority. Under Articles 63 and 64 of the Constitution, the Vice President also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, making the post strategically important for parliamentary management and legislative proceedings.
Radhakrishnan's prior experience as Governor of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Jharkhand brings significant administrative and constitutional experience to the role. He succeeded Jagdeep Dhankhar, who had served as the 14th Vice President since August 2022.
Mains angle
Q: Outline the constitutional provisions under Articles 63–66 governing the Vice Presidential office as illustrated by the September 2025 election.
Answer (50 words):
Article 66 vests election in an electoral college of both Houses of Parliament—unlike the Presidential college—using proportional representation and single transferable vote. The candidate must be thirty-five, a citizen, and Rajya Sabha-qualified. Articles 63 and 64 designate the Vice President as ex-officio Rajya Sabha Chairman, making parliamentary management constitutionally pivotal.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Vice President elected?
Explanation · Correct answer CArticle 66 of the Indian Constitution deals with the election of the Vice President. The Vice President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament through proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
Frequently asked questions
Which Article of the Indian Constitution governs the election of the Vice President?
Article 66 of the Indian Constitution governs the election of the Vice President. It specifies that the VP is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament, by proportional representation using the single transferable vote.
Who won the 2025 Vice Presidential election of India?
C.P. Radhakrishnan won the 2025 Vice Presidential election of India. He also serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as provided under the Constitution.
What is the constitutional role of the Vice President of India?
The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and presides over its sessions. Additionally, the VP acts as the President of India during a vacancy, absence, or illness of the President, as provided under Article 65 of the Constitution.
How is the electoral college for Vice Presidential election different from that of the Presidential election?
The electoral college for the Vice Presidential election consists solely of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), while the Presidential electoral college also includes elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and the Delhi and Puducherry assemblies. State legislature members do NOT participate in VP elections.
Under which Article does the Vice President act as President during a vacancy?
Under Article 65 of the Indian Constitution, the Vice President acts as the President of India during a vacancy in the President's office or when the President is unable to discharge functions due to absence or illness.
