37 Rajya Sabha Seats to Go for Biennial Elections in April 2026

The Election Commission of India has announced that biennial elections will be conducted to fill 37 seats in the Rajya Sabha, as the terms of members from 10 States are set to expire in April 2026.

About Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the Upper House of Parliament of India.

• Represents States and Union Territories
• Includes nominated members by the President
• Permanent body; not subject to dissolution
• One-third of members retire every two years

The Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, and the House elects a Deputy Chairman from among its members.

Strength of Rajya Sabha

Under Article 80 of the Constitution:

• Maximum strength: 250 members
  • 238 representatives of States & Union Territories
  • 12 nominated by the President

Present Strength: 245 members

• 233 elected from States and UTs (Delhi, Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir)
• 12 nominated by the President

Seat allocation among States and UTs is provided in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, based on population.

Election Process

Members of Rajya Sabha are indirectly elected.

• Elected by elected MLAs of State Legislative Assemblies
• UT representatives elected by members of their Electoral College

Election method:

• Proportional Representation
• Single Transferable Vote (STV) system

Electoral Colleges include:

• Delhi Legislative Assembly for Delhi
• Assemblies of Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir

Qualifications for Membership

Under Article 84 of the Constitution, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India
• Meet age and other qualifications prescribed by Parliament

Why Biennial Elections Matter

Rajya Sabha is a permanent chamber, and elections every two years ensure:

• Continuity in Parliament
• Representation of States in national law-making
• Balance in legislative functioning