RAJYA SABHA MEMBERSHIP

Composition/Strength: 

• Article 80 of the Constitution lays down the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha as 250, out of which 12 members are nominated by the President and 238 are representatives of the States and of the two Union Territories.  
  
  
• The present strength of Rajya Sabha, however, is 245, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi and Puducherry and 12 are nominated by the President. 
  
  
• The members nominated by the President are persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service. 
  
  

Qualifications:

• Article 84 of the Constitution lays down the qualifications for membership of Parliament.
  
  
• A person to be qualified for the membership of the Rajya Sabha should posses the following qualifications –
  • he must be a citizen of India and make and subscribe before some person authorized in that behalf by the Election Commission an oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule to the Constitution;
    
    
  • he must be not less than 30 years of age;
    
    
  • he must possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.