With reference to the election of members to the Rajya Sabha, consider the following statements: 1. Members are directly elected by the residents of the respective States. 2. The elected members of the State Legislative Assembly elect the members of the Rajya Sabha. 3. The method of election ensures that all States have equal representation regardless of population. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation The composition and method of election for the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) are defined under Article 80 of the Constitution of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha represents the federal character of the nation, and its members are elected through an indirect method. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people (residents) of the states. Direct election is the method used for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The Rajya Sabha follows a system of indirect election. - Statement 2 is Correct: According to Article 80(4), the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State. This election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV). - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Constitution does not provide for equal representation of all states in the Rajya Sabha. The allocation of seats is defined in the Fourth Schedule and is based on the population of each state. Consequently, states with larger populations have more seats (e.g., Uttar Pradesh) compared to states with smaller populations (e.g., Sikkim or Goa). This differs from the United States Senate, where all states have equal representation regardless of population. Key Takeaway: Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using Proportional Representation with the Single Transferable Vote, and seat allocation is proportional to the population of the state, not equal for all states.

NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 6: Legislature

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With reference to the election of members to the Rajya Sabha, consider the following statements:

Members are directly elected by the residents of the respective States.
The elected members of the State Legislative Assembly elect the members of the Rajya Sabha.
The method of election ensures that all States have equal representation regardless of population.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

The composition and method of election for the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) are defined under Article 80 of the Constitution of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha represents the federal character of the nation, and its members are elected through an indirect method.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people (residents) of the states. Direct election is the method used for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The Rajya Sabha follows a system of indirect election.
Statement 2 is Correct: According to Article 80(4), the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State. This election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Constitution does not provide for equal representation of all states in the Rajya Sabha. The allocation of seats is defined in the Fourth Schedule and is based on the population of each state. Consequently, states with larger populations have more seats (e.g., Uttar Pradesh) compared to states with smaller populations (e.g., Sikkim or Goa). This differs from the United States Senate, where all states have equal representation regardless of population.

Key Takeaway: Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies using Proportional Representation with the Single Transferable Vote, and seat allocation is proportional to the population of the state, not equal for all states.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Legislature

Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) can be set up for which of the following purposes? 1. Discussing a particular bill. 2. Investigating financial irregularities. 3. Selecting the Prime Minister in case of a hung parliament.

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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is primarily responsible for:

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What is the consequence if the Rajya Sabha does not return a Money Bill within 14 days?

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The 91st Constitutional Amendment is primarily associated with:

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Regarding the nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, consider the following: 1. There are twelve nominated members. 2. They are nominated by the Prime Minister. 3. They are chosen from fields such as literature, science, art, and social service. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Members of the Rajya Sabha are not elected directly by the people (residents) of the states. Direct election is the method used for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. The Rajya Sabha follows a system of indirect election.
Statement 2 is Correct: According to Article 80(4), the representatives of each State in the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of that State. This election is held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV).
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Indian Constitution does not provide for equal representation of all states in the Rajya Sabha. The allocation of seats is defined in the Fourth Schedule and is based on the population of each state. Consequently, states with larger populations have more seats (e.g., Uttar Pradesh) compared to states with smaller populations (e.g., Sikkim or Goa). This differs from the United States Senate, where all states have equal representation regardless of population.