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The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional authority. The office is established under Article 63 of the Indian Constitution. The Vice President holds office for five years. He can also continue beyond the term until a successor takes over. The Vice President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He steps in as Acting President if the office of the President falls vacant for any reason.

The first Vice President of India was Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He took office in 1952. As of 2025, the current Vice President of India is Jagdeep Dhankhar, elected in 2022. He succeeded M. Venkaiah Naidu and continues to serve through the term covering 2023 to 2025.

Also Read: President of India

Vice Presidents of India List 2025

Here is a complete list of the Vice Presidents of India from 1952 to 2025:

Also Read: Attorney General of India

Vice Presidents of India Later Becoming Presidents

Out of all, six individuals later became the President of India. Krishan Kant remains the only Vice President who died in office.

1. V. Giri served as Acting President (1969) before being elected as President  of India
2. R. Narayanan was the first Dalit (Scheduled Caste) President of India.

Vice President of India 2022 to 2025

Vice President of India 2022

• Name: Jagdeep Dhankhar
• Sworn In: August 2022
• Political Background: Former Governor of West Bengal and senior advocate.
• Major Events: Oversaw the Rajya Sabha during landmark legislative sessions.
• Resigned: July 2025.

Vice President of India 2023

• Continued presiding over the Rajya Sabha during key discussions on national bills related to economy, environment, and social issues.

Vice President of India 2024

• Oversaw the parliamentary session ahead of the 2024 General Elections.
• Played a significant role in upholding neutrality and procedural integrity during pre-election debates.

Vice President of India 2025

• As of mid-2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar remains the current Vice President of India.
• Resigned as the Vice President of India (July 2025).

Also Read: Mahatma Gandhi

How is the Vice President of India Elected?

The Vice President of India is elected indirectly. The process is governed by Articles 66 and 68 of the Constitution. It has been made statutory through the Presidents and Vice President elections Act. The election is conducted by an electoral college consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament.

Key Features of the Election Process:

• Electoral College: The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College, which consists of the members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (both elected and nominated members)
• Voting System: The election follows the single transferable vote system with proportional representation. Members mark their preferences.
• Eligibility Criteria: A candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old. He should be qualified to be a Rajya Sabha member. The candidate must not hold any office of profit.
• Nomination Requirements: The nomination must be supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders who are Members of Parliament. A security deposit is also required.
• Returning Officer: The Secretary-General of either House of Parliament acts as the Returning Officer.
• Victory Condition: The candidate who secures the required quota of votes is declared elected.

This process ensures a balance between political representation and institutional integrity. For example, in the Vice President of India 2022 election, Jagdeep Dhankhar won a clear majority over the opposition’s candidate. He continues as the current Vice President of India in 2025.

Also Read: CAG of India

Vice President of India Oaths and Affirmations

The Vice President of India takes an oath or affirmation before entering office, as prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Constitution. The oath is administered by the President of India. In it, the Vice President swears to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office, and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and the law. This oath ensures that the Vice President commits to upholding the sovereignty, integrity, and constitutional values of the country while performing official responsibilities.

Vice President of India Salary, Perks and Facilities

The Vice President of India does not receive a separate salary for the role. He is entitled to the salary and allowances of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as laid down in the Salary and Allowances of Officers of Parliament Act. As of recent updates, the Vice President receives a monthly salary along with allowances for housing, travel, and daily expenses. The Vice President is provided an official residence, staff support, medical facilities, security, and transport, including access to air travel for official duties. These perks are aimed at supporting the dignitary in the discharge of constitutional responsibilities and public functions.

The Vice President of India earns a monthly salary of ₹400,000 as the ex‑officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha—a raise from ₹125,000 in 2018. They also receive full allowances and perks, including:

• Free furnished residence at Vice‑President’s Enclave, New Delhi
• Comprehensive medical coverage for themselves and family
• Free air and rail travel for official duties
• Landline and mobile phone services
• Personal security detail and dedicated staff
• Office expenses and hospitality allowances

If the Vice President acts as President, they receive the President’s higher salary and benefits during that period.

After retirement, the Vice President receives:

• A lifetime pension amounting to 50% of their last-drawn salary
• The right to use a furnished residence
• Telephone facilities, secretarial support, and office upkeep funds (as per the Vice‑President’s Pension Act)
• Continued medical care for self and dependents under the President’s pension rules
• Free travel anywhere in India by air, rail, or steamer, accompanied by a spouse or companion

These arrangements ensure the Vice President is well supported during and after service.

Resignation of Vice-President of India

• The Vice-President of India can resign at any time before the completion of the 5-year term.
• As per Article 67(b) of the Constitution of India, the resignation must be submitted in writing.
• The resignation letter should be addressed to the President of India.
• Once the resignation is accepted, the office of the Vice-President becomes vacant immediately.
• A fresh election is held to fill the vacancy within six months.
• Until a new Vice-President is elected, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha or another person appointed by the President may perform the duties, depending on the circumstances.
• There is no need for parliamentary approval or discussion for resignation it is purely voluntary.

Mid-Term Resignation of Vice-President

• The Vice President can resign before the completion of their 5-year term.
• The resignation is voluntary and must be in writing, addressed to the President.
• After resignation, a new Vice-President is elected, and until then, the office may remain vacant, or the Chief Justice of India may perform certain functions as required.

How is the Vice President of India Removed?

The Constitution allows for the removal of the Vice President, though the process is different from that of the President.

Key Points on Removal:

• Initiating House: Removal resolution must be introduced in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
• Effective Majority Required in Rajya Sabha:
  • Must be passed by a majority of all the then members (i.e., effective majority).
  • Example: If Rajya Sabha has 245 total members, and 10 seats are vacant, then the majority must be of 235 (not just those present and voting)
• Simple Majority in Lok Sabha: After Rajya Sabha passes the resolution, Lok Sabha must approve it by a simple majority.
• 14 Days’ Notice Required: At least 14 days’ notice must be given before moving the resolution.
• No Grounds Required: The Constitution does not require any specific grounds for removal of the Vice-President.

Note: No Vice President of India has ever been removed from office through this mechanism.

Also Read: Rabindranath Tagore

Powers and Functions of Vice President of India

The Vice President performs both legislative and constitutional roles.

1. Chairman of Rajya Sabha

The Vice President is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. In this capacity, the Vice President:

• Presides over sessions of the Rajya Sabha.
• Ensures decorum, discipline, and adherence to parliamentary rules.
• Can cast a vote in the event of a tie.
• Refers matters to committees.
• Decides on points of order.
• Plays a role in the disqualification of members under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law).

2. Acting as President

The Vice President acts as the President of India when:

• The President resigns.
• The President dies in office.
• The President is temporarily unable to perform duties.

In such cases, the Vice President assumes the role of Acting President until a new President is elected within six months.

During this time, the Vice President stops performing duties as Rajya Sabha Chairman and takes over all responsibilities of the President.

3. Administrative and Advisory Roles

Although the Vice President is not part of the Union Council of Ministers, the office plays a ceremonial and advisory role in the functioning of the Parliament. The Vice President does not exercise any executive powers unless serving as Acting President.

Also Read: Jawaharlal Nehru

The Vice President of India is a central figure in the constitutional framework. Acting as the Chair of the Rajya Sabha and the second-highest dignitary after the President, the Vice President ensures legislative continuity and parliamentary integrity. From the first Vice President of India in 1952 to the current Vice President of India in 2025, the office has evolved but remained consistent in its constitutional role.

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Understanding how the Vice President of India is elected, how the Vice President of India is removed, and the powers and functions of the Vice President of India is essential for anyone studying the Indian political system. With the Vice Presidents of India List 2025 complete, the role continues to hold high constitutional relevance in India’s democracy.

Vice President of India 2025 FAQs

What is the term of office of the Vice-President of India as per Article 67(a)?

As per Article 67(a) of the Indian Constitution, the Vice-President of India holds office for a term of five years from the date he/she enters upon the office. However, the Vice-President can be re-elected for any number of terms and continues to perform duties until a successor assumes charge, ensuring no vacancy disrupts the functioning.

How is the Vice President of India elected?

The Vice President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The election is conducted through a single transferable vote system using proportional representation.

What are the powers and functions of the Vice President of India?

 The Vice President serves as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as the President in case of a vacancy. The Vice President presides over Rajya Sabha proceedings, ensures adherence to parliamentary rules, and plays a role in disqualification cases under the anti-defection law.

How can the Vice President of India be removed?

The Vice President of India can be removed through a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with an effective majority and agreed to by the Lok Sabha. A 14-day notice is required before the resolution is introduced.

Who was the first Vice President of India?

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India. He served from 1952 to 1962 and later became the President of India.

What is the difference between the Vice President and the President of India?

 The President is the head of the state and holds executive powers, while the Vice President primarily serves a legislative function as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as President only in case of a vacancy.

Where can I find the Vice Presidents of India List 2025?

 You can find the complete Vice Presidents of India List 2025 in the article above, which includes all individuals who held the office from 1952 to 2025.