Structure of the Indian Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Under "Political Developments" in Patwari's GK-India section, the basic structure of Parliament — seats, terms, and sessions — is frequently asked about and is given here in one place.
- GK-India · Political Developments
- 6 min read
The Bicameral System
The Indian Parliament is bicameral — the Lok Sabha (the Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (the Upper House). All members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the public, while most members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the state legislative assemblies.
In January 2020, through the 104th Constitutional Amendment, the provision for nominating members of the Anglo-Indian community to the Lok Sabha was abolished — now all members of the Lok Sabha are elected, with no nominated members.
Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
Lok Sabha
Current strength543 (all elected)
Maximum constitutional limit550
Term5 years (or dissolved early by the President)
Presiding officerThe Speaker of the Lok Sabha — elected by its members
NominationNo nominated members since 2020 (earlier there were 2 Anglo-Indian members)
Rajya Sabha
Current strength245 (233 elected + 12 nominated by the President)
Maximum constitutional limit250
TermA permanent House — never dissolved; one-third of members retire every 2 years
Presiding officerThe Vice-President of India (ex-officio Chairman)
Nomination12 members nominated by the President for their contribution to literature, science, art, and social service
Types of Bills
- Money Bill
- Can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha (Article 110)
- Ordinary Bill
- Can be introduced in either House
- Constitutional Amendment Bill
- Can be introduced in either House, but requires a special majority (2/3)
Remember
A Money Bill can be introduced only in the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha can hold it for at most 14 days, but cannot reject it — this shows the Lok Sabha's primacy in financial matters. This distinction is frequently asked in the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current strength of the Lok Sabha?+
543, and all are elected — the provision for Anglo-Indian nomination has been abolished since 2020.
Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?+
The Vice-President of India — they preside over Rajya Sabha sittings, though they are not required to be a member of the Rajya Sabha for this.
In which House alone can a Money Bill be introduced?+
In the Lok Sabha — under Article 110; the Rajya Sabha can hold it for only 14 days.
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