Vice President of India — Static Polity Topic That Can Surprise You in UPSC!
The Constitution of India is a vast ocean of knowledge, and within this ocean lies a position that often doesn’t get much attention—the Vice President of India. Many UPSC aspirants tend to focus more on the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and Supreme Court while preparing Polity. However, the Vice President is a static polity topic that can suddenly pop up in UPSC Prelims or Mains and surprise even the most well-prepared candidates.
This blog, curated with insights from Bajirao IAS Academy, widely regarded as the Best IAS Academy in Delhi, simplifies the constitutional role, powers, election process, and current relevance of the Vice President. Let’s decode everything UPSC wants you to know!
Why This Topic Suddenly Gained Attention?
On 21st July, the Vice President of India submitted his letter of resignation to the President. He declared his intention "to prioritise health care and abide by medical advice," with immediate effect, citing Article 67(a) of the Constitution.
This marks only the third time in Indian history when a Vice President has resigned before completing the full term—after V.V. Giri in 1969 and R. Venkataraman in 1987.
This real-world event makes the topic highly relevant for UPSC 2025-26. Whether it’s Prelims MCQs or Mains Essay/GS answers, you must be ready!
Role and Powers of the Vice President – What the Constitution Says
According to Article 63 of the Constitution:
"There shall be a Vice-President of India."
Now let’s break down the roles and responsibilities:
1. Ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha
This is the primary role of the Vice President. He presides over Rajya Sabha sessions, ensures decorum, and plays a neutral role in managing parliamentary business.
2. Acting President of India
Under Article 65, if the office of the President falls vacant due to death, resignation, or removal, the Vice President acts as the President until a new President is elected.
3. No Executive Power
Unlike the President, the Vice President has no executive powers. His role is more legislative and ceremonial in nature.
How is the Vice President Elected?
Elected by an Electoral College, consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
The election is held by Proportional Representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method.
State Legislative Assemblies are not involved, unlike in the Presidential election.
Note: This is a favourite area for UPSC Prelims questions.
Article 67(a) – Resignation Process
As per Article 67(a):
"The Vice President may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the President."
This article became newsworthy due to the recent resignation. UPSC loves static questions with dynamic relevance, and this fits perfectly!
“The Vice President’s role might appear secondary, but the UPSC gives high importance to static topics with constitutional depth and current visibility.”
“Aspirants must prepare the Vice President's topic in detail—not just the basics but with linkages to articles, past resignations, and Rajya Sabha functions. Expect tricky MCQs in Prelims and analytical questions in Mains.”
Static Polity Topics That UPSC Loves
Here are some static topics that often get ignored but have a high chance of appearing in the exam:
Attorney General vs. Solicitor General
Vice President – Election, Removal, Role
Comptroller & Auditor General (CAG)
Election Commission – Constitutional vs. Statutory Bodies
Money Bill vs. Financial Bill
Don't skip these while preparing with test series or revision classes.
Vice President’s Relevance in Rajya Sabha Functioning
The Vice President ensures parliamentary discipline in the Upper House. This is not just a formality. With increasing walkouts, disruptions, and opposition debates, the role has become more sensitive and politically critical.
UPSC may ask in GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): “Discuss the constitutional responsibilities and political significance of the Vice President of India in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha.”
Prepare this with examples from current events, like the resignation incident, the role during budget sessions, etc.
Quotes You Can Use in Mains Answers
Here are some ready-made quotes to enhance your UPSC Mains answers:
“The dignity of the Upper House depends on the discipline ensured by its Chair.” – Rajya Sabha Handbook
“In Indian democracy, the Vice President is a silent guardian of parliamentary values.”
“Understanding the Vice President’s constitutional limitations is key to appreciating his parliamentary strength.”
UPSC-Relevant Takeaways
✔ Article 63 – Establishes the post ✔ Article 64 – Rajya Sabha Chairperson ✔ Article 65 – Acts as President ✔ Article 66 – Election method ✔ Article 67(a) – Resignation clause ✔ 3 Vice Presidents in Indian history have resigned before completing term ✔ Recent resignation on 21st July 2025 makes this topic highly probable for UPSC ✔ Expect MCQs on electoral method, articles, and recent events
How Bajirao IAS Academy Helps
If you're serious about UPSC 2026, it’s important to learn from mentors who can give you clarity, context, and current affairs integration. At Bajirao IAS Academy, widely known as the Best IAS Academy in Delhi, students are trained to approach static polity with dynamic understanding.
Whether it’s test series, personalized doubt sessions, or Mains answer writing practice, Bajirao ensures that you are never caught off-guard by questions like: "Which Article allows the Vice President to act as President?" "What are the implications of a Vice President's mid-term resignation?"
Final Words
Don’t ignore static topics like the Vice President of India. While it may seem like a minor area in Polity, the recent resignation and its historical rarity make it a hot topic. Prepare it in depth. Link it to current events. And most importantly, understand the constitutional reasoning behind the role.
“Don’t just study for the exam. Study for understanding. That’s the UPSC way.”