The Vice-President of India, the second-highest constitutional office, plays a dual role as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and as the standby to the President. Although fewer questions appear from this topic compared to the President, it’s still a frequent subject in UPSC Prelims and other competitive exams, especially when it comes to the election process, removal procedure, and powers.
This post presents a concise and exam-focused set of MCQs on the Vice-President of India, each with detailed explanations to enhance your conceptual clarity and recall ability. These questions are ideal for quick revision and self-assessment in your polity preparation journey.
Vice-President of India MCQs and Answers
1. Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Vice-President of India?
(a) Article 63
(b) Article 74
(c) Article 80
(d) Article 89
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 63 of the Indian Constitution states, “There shall be a Vice-President of India.”
2. The Vice-President of India is elected by:
(a) An electoral college consisting of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament.
(b) An electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
(c) An electoral college consisting of the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies.
(d) A joint session of both Houses of Parliament.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 66(1) specifies that the Vice-President is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament, comprising both elected and nominated members.
3. The election of the Vice-President of India is conducted in accordance with the system of:
(a) First-past-the-post.
(b) Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
(c) Cumulative voting.
(d) Block voting.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 66(1) states that the election of the Vice-President shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and the voting shall be by secret ballot.
4. Which of the following qualifications is NOT required to be eligible for election as the Vice-President of India?
(a) Citizen of India.
(b) Completed 35 years of age.
(c) Qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Not holding any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 66(3) lays down the qualifications for the Vice-President. The person must be a citizen of India, must have completed 35 years of age, and must be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha, not the Lok Sabha.
5. The Vice-President of India holds office for a term of:
(a) 4 years.
(b) 5 years.
(c) 6 years.
(d) Until the pleasure of the President.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 67 states that the Vice-President shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which they enter upon their office.
6. The Vice-President of India can be removed from office before the expiry of their term by:
(a) A resolution passed by the Supreme Court.
(b) A vote of no-confidence passed by the Parliament.
(c) A resolution of the Rajya Sabha agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
(d) An impeachment by the Parliament.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) provides that the Vice-President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
7. The Vice-President of India is the ex-officio:
(a) Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(b) Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Chief Justice of India.
(d) Attorney General of India.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 64 states that the Vice-President shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
8. In the absence of the President of India, the Vice-President discharges the functions of the President for a maximum period of:
(a) 3 months.
(b) 6 months.
(c) 1 year.
(d) Until the election of a new President.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 65(2) states that when the President is unable to discharge their functions due to absence, illness, or any other cause, or when the office of the President is vacant by reason of their death, resignation, or removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President enters upon their office, which must be within six months.
9. The Vice-President of India can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a:
(a) Simple majority of the members present and voting.
(b) Simple majority of the total membership of the House.
(c) Special majority (two-thirds of the members present and voting).
(d) Majority of all the then members of the House.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 67(b) requires a resolution passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President.
10. Which article of the Constitution specifies that the Vice-President shall act as President or discharge their functions during casual vacancies in the office of the President?
(a) Article 63
(b) Article 65
(c) Article 74
(d) Article 89
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 65 deals with the Vice-President acting as President or discharging the functions of the President during casual vacancies in the office of the President.
11. The Vice-President of India is elected by an electoral college that:
(a) Includes the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
(b) Includes the nominated members of State Legislative Assemblies.
(c) Excludes nominated members of both Houses of Parliament.
(d) Includes both elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Article 66(1) explicitly states that the electoral college for the Vice-President’s election consists of all members of both Houses of Parliament, including both elected and nominated members.
12. The Vice-President of India is not a member of either House of Parliament. However, they:
(a) Can vote in both Houses of Parliament.
(b) Can participate in the debates of both Houses of Parliament.
(c) Cannot participate in any proceedings of the Parliament.
(d) Can cast a deciding vote in the Rajya Sabha in case of a tie.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: As the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President can cast a deciding vote (also known as a casting vote) in case of a tie in the Rajya Sabha.
13. The quorum to constitute the electoral college for the election of the Vice-President of India is:
(a) Half of the total number of electors.
(b) One-third of the total number of electors.
(c) No quorum is prescribed.
(d) Two-thirds of the total number of electors.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Like the President’s election, there is no quorum prescribed for the electoral college of the Vice-President’s election. The election proceeds as long as it is conducted according to the rules.
14. The election of the Vice-President of India can be challenged before the:
(a) Supreme Court of India.
(b) High Court of Delhi.
(c) Election Commission of India.
(d) A joint committee of both Houses of Parliament.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 71(1) states that all doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of a Vice-President shall be inquired into and decided by the Supreme Court whose decision shall be final.
15. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes:
- Maintaining order in the House.
- Allowing members to speak and participate in debates.
- Deciding on points of order.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 2 and 3
(c) Only 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (d)
Explanation: As the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Vice-President has the responsibility to maintain order, regulate debates, and decide on procedural matters, including points of order.
16. The Vice-President of India can be removed from office by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha, but this resolution requires:
(a) The consent of the President.
(b) The recommendation of the Prime Minister.
(c) The agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) The approval of the Supreme Court.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) states that the resolution of the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
17. The Vice-President of India is not a member of any committee of the Parliament, but they:
(a) Can nominate members to parliamentary committees.
(b) Can participate in the proceedings of any parliamentary committee.
(c) Cannot participate in any proceedings of any parliamentary committee.
(d) Can be appointed as a special invitee to any parliamentary committee.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Vice-President, as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is not a member of any parliamentary committee unless specifically appointed. They primarily preside over the Rajya Sabha and regulate its proceedings.
18. The Vice-President of India is elected for a fixed term, but they can resign before the expiry of their term by addressing their resignation to:
(a) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(b) The President of India.
(c) The Chief Justice of India.
(d) The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 67(a) specifies that the Vice-President may resign their office by writing under their hand addressed to the President of India.
19. The Vice-President of India’s role in the Rajya Sabha is similar to that of:
(a) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(b) The President of India in the Parliament.
(c) The Prime Minister in the Parliament.
(d) The Chief Justice of India in the Supreme Court.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: The Vice-President’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is analogous to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha, as both preside over their respective Houses and regulate their proceedings.
20. In the absence of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the duties are performed by:
(a) The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
(b) The Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
(c) The President of India.
(d) A member nominated by the Prime Minister.
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Article 89(2) states that the Rajya Sabha shall, as often as the office of Chairman becomes vacant, choose another member of the Council to be Chairman thereof. The Deputy Chairman performs the duties of the Chairman in their absence.
21. The Vice-President of India is elected for a term of five years, but they continue to hold office until:
(a) The President asks them to vacate the office.
(b) The Supreme Court orders them to vacate the office.
(c) Their successor enters upon their office.
(d) The Prime Minister nominates their successor.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67 states that the Vice-President shall hold office for a term of five years, but they shall continue to hold office until their successor enters upon their office.
22. The Vice-President of India’s election can be challenged on the ground that:
(a) The elected candidate’s political ideology is not in line with the Constitution.
(b) The electoral college was not duly constituted.
(c) The elected candidate is not popular.
(d) There was a minor procedural irregularity in the conduct of the election.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 71(1) allows challenges to the election of the Vice-President before the Supreme Court, primarily on grounds related to the constitution of the electoral college or the conduct of the election process violating the rules.
23. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Introduce money bills in the Rajya Sabha.
(b) Dissolve the Rajya Sabha.
(c) Allow or disallow points of order.
(d) Appoint members to parliamentary committees.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: As the presiding officer, the Vice-President, in their role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has the power to allow or disallow points of order raised by members during the proceedings of the House.
24. The Vice-President of India’s election is based on the principle of:
(a) Direct election by the people.
(b) Indirect election by an electoral college.
(c) Selection by a joint session of Parliament.
(d) Appointment by the President.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 66(1) clearly states that the Vice-President is elected by the members of an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.
25. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, but this resolution must be:
(a) Introduced with the consent of the Lok Sabha.
(b) Introduced only on the recommendation of the Supreme Court.
(c) Introduced only with the consent of the President.
(d) Introduced only after giving 14 days’ notice.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: While not explicitly mentioned in Article 67(b), parliamentary rules and conventions require that a resolution for the removal of the Vice-President can be moved only after giving 14 days’ notice to the Vice-President.
26. The Vice-President of India’s role in the Rajya Sabha differs from the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that the Vice-President:
(a) Can vote on all matters in the House.
(b) Cannot vote in the first instance, but can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie.
(c) Can introduce money bills in the House.
(d) Can dissolve the House.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, does not have a vote in the first instance but can cast a deciding vote in case of a tie, unlike the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who can vote in the first instance.
27. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha does NOT include:
(a) Regulating the debates and proceedings of the House.
(b) Deciding on questions of disqualification of members.
(c) Certifying money bills.
(d) Maintaining order in the House.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The power to certify money bills belongs to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, not the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
28. The Vice-President of India’s election is conducted by the:
(a) Supreme Court of India.
(b) Election Commission of India.
(c) Parliament itself.
(d) President of India.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Election Commission of India conducts the election of the Vice-President, as well as the President, under the provisions of the Constitution and the relevant laws.
29. The Vice-President of India’s eligibility criteria do NOT include:
(a) Being a citizen of India.
(b) Having completed 35 years of age.
(c) Being qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
(d) Being a member of a political party.
Answer: (d)
Explanation: There is no requirement for the Vice-President to be a member of a political party. The eligibility criteria focus on citizenship, age, and qualification for Rajya Sabha membership.
30. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which then:
(a) Needs the approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Needs the approval of the President.
(c) Needs the agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Is directly implemented without further approval.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) clearly states that the resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
31. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Introduce and pass constitutional amendment bills.
(b) Decide on all questions relating to the disqualification of a member.
(c) Allow or disallow adjournment motions.
(d) Appoint the Prime Minister.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Adjournment motions are procedural devices used to draw the attention of the House to a matter of urgent public importance. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to allow or disallow these motions.
32. The Vice-President of India’s election is conducted in accordance with the system of proportional representation, which means:
(a) Seats are allocated to parties based on their share of the popular vote.
(b) Each voter ranks candidates in order of preference.
(c) The candidate with the most votes wins.
(d) Votes are weighted based on the population of the states.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, as used in the Vice-President’s election, involves voters ranking candidates in order of preference, ensuring that the elected candidate has the support of a majority of the voters’ preferences.
33. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is similar to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that both:
(a) Can introduce money bills in their respective Houses.
(b) Can dissolve their respective Houses.
(c) Preside over their respective Houses and regulate their proceedings.
(d) Are elected by the members of their respective Houses.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both the Vice-President, as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha preside over their respective Houses and regulate their proceedings, maintaining order and ensuring the smooth functioning of the House.
34. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which must be:
(a) Supported by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.
(b) Supported by a majority of all the then members of the House.
(c) Introduced with the consent of the Supreme Court.
(d) Introduced with the consent of the President.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Article 67(b) specifies that the resolution for the removal of the Vice-President must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the Rajya Sabha.
35. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Appoint the Attorney General of India.
(b) Certify money bills.
(c) Allow or disallow supplementary questions.
(d) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Supplementary questions are asked by members to seek further clarification on answers given by ministers. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to allow or disallow these questions.
36. The Vice-President of India’s election can be challenged before the Supreme Court, but this challenge must be made within:
(a) 14 days of the declaration of the result.
(b) 30 days of the declaration of the result.
(c) 60 days of the declaration of the result.
(d) 90 days of the declaration of the result.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the rules framed thereunder, specify that an election petition challenging the election of the Vice-President must be presented before the Supreme Court within 30 days of the declaration of the result.
37. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is similar to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that both:
(a) Can introduce and pass constitutional amendment bills.
(b) Can decide on all questions relating to the disqualification of a member.
(c) Can allow or disallow adjournment motions.
(d) Can appoint members to parliamentary committees.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha have the power to allow or disallow adjournment motions, which are used to draw the attention of the House to a matter of urgent public importance.
38. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which then:
(a) Needs the approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Needs the approval of the President.
(c) Needs the agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Is directly implemented without further approval.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) explicitly states that the resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
39. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Appoint the Attorney General of India.
(b) Certify money bills.
(c) Allow or disallow supplementary questions.
(d) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Supplementary questions are asked by members to seek further clarification on answers given by ministers. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to allow or disallow these questions.
40. The Vice-President of India’s election can be challenged before the Supreme Court, but this challenge must be made within:
(a) 14 days of the declaration of the result.
(b) 30 days of the declaration of the result.
(c) 60 days of the declaration of the result.
(d) 90 days of the declaration of the result.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the rules framed thereunder, specify that an election petition challenging the election of the Vice-President must be presented before the Supreme Court within 30 days of the declaration of the result.
41. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is similar to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that both:
(a) Can introduce and pass constitutional amendment bills.
(b) Can decide on all questions relating to the disqualification of a member.
(c) Can allow or disallow adjournment motions.
(d) Can appoint members to parliamentary committees.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha have the power to allow or disallow adjournment motions, which are used to draw the attention of the House to a matter of urgent public importance.
42. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which then:
(a) Needs the approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Needs the approval of the President.
(c) Needs the agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Is directly implemented without further approval.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) explicitly states that the resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
43. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Appoint the Attorney General of India.
(b) Certify money bills.
(c) Allow or disallow supplementary questions.
(d) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Supplementary questions are asked by members to seek further clarification on answers given by ministers. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to allow or disallow these questions.
44. The Vice-President of India’s election can be challenged before the Supreme Court, but this challenge must be made within:
(a) 14 days of the declaration of the result.
(b) 30 days of the declaration of the result.
(c) 60 days of the declaration of the result.
(d) 90 days of the declaration of the result.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the rules framed thereunder, specify that an election petition challenging the election of the Vice-President must be presented before the Supreme Court within 30 days of the declaration of the result.
45. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is similar to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that both:
(a) Can introduce and pass constitutional amendment bills.
(b) Can decide on all questions relating to the disqualification of a member.
(c) Can allow or disallow adjournment motions.
(d) Can appoint members to parliamentary committees.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha have the power to allow or disallow adjournment motions, which are used to draw the attention of the House to a matter of urgent public importance.
46. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which then:
(a) Needs the approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Needs the approval of the President.
(c) Needs the agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Is directly implemented without further approval.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) explicitly states that the resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
47. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha includes the power to:
(a) Appoint the Attorney General of India.
(b) Certify money bills.
(c) Allow or disallow supplementary questions.
(d) Dissolve the Lok Sabha.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Supplementary questions are asked by members to seek further clarification on answers given by ministers. The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has the power to allow or disallow these questions.
48. The Vice-President of India’s election can be challenged before the Supreme Court, but this challenge must be made within:
(a) 14 days of the declaration of the result.
(b) 30 days of the declaration of the result.
(c) 60 days of the declaration of the result.
(d) 90 days of the declaration of the result.
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the rules framed thereunder, specify that an election petition challenging the election of the Vice-President must be presented before the Supreme Court within 30 days of the declaration of the result.
49. The Vice-President of India’s role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is similar to the Speaker’s role in the Lok Sabha in that both:
(a) Can introduce and pass constitutional amendment bills.
(b) Can decide on all questions relating to the disqualification of a member.
(c) Can allow or disallow adjournment motions.
(d) Can appoint members to parliamentary committees.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Both the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha have the power to allow or disallow adjournment motions, which are used to draw the attention of the House to a matter of urgent public importance.
50. The Vice-President of India’s removal from office requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha, which then:
(a) Needs the approval of the Supreme Court.
(b) Needs the approval of the President.
(c) Needs the agreement of the Lok Sabha.
(d) Is directly implemented without further approval.
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 67(b) explicitly states that the resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha for the removal of the Vice-President must be agreed to by the Lok Sabha.
While the Vice-President’s role may seem limited, it’s constitutionally significant and often tested in exams to gauge your understanding of Indian federal structure and parliamentary procedure. These MCQs help reinforce important facts, clarify tricky provisions, and prepare you for both direct and conceptual questions.
For comprehensive coverage of Indian Polity through well-explained MCQs, explore more posts in this series. Keep learning, keep practicing!