Polity question from Panchayat Secretary (VLW) exam, 2025 by JKSSB
Which system is followed for Rajya Sabha elections in India?
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
Single Transferable Vote system
The elections to the Rajya Sabha (the Council of States or the Upper House of India's Parliament) are conducted using an indirect election method known as Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV).
How it works: The members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), rather than directly by the public. Instead of voting for just a single candidate, each MLA marks their preferences (1st preference, 2nd preference, 3rd preference, etc.) on the ballot paper.
A candidate needs a specific quota of votes to win. If a candidate secures enough first-preference votes to meet the quota, they are elected, and their surplus votes are transferred to the next preferred candidates.
Why the other options are incorrect:
(B) Round Robin Representation: This is a tournament format used in sports (where every contestant faces all others in turn), not an electoral system.
(C) First Past the Post System (FPTP): This is the system used for Lok Sabha (Lower House) and State Legislative Assembly elections in India, where the candidate with the highest number of votes wins, even if they don't get an absolute majority.
(D) Direct Voting System: Rajya Sabha elections are indirect. The general public does not vote directly for Rajya Sabha MPs; our elected MLAs do.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
