Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha – Meaning, Powers, Comparison & Exam Guide
The Indian Parliament is the supreme law-making body of the country and consists of the President, the Lok Sabha, and the Rajya Sabha. For aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, WBCS, Railway, Banking, and other government exams, understanding the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is extremely important because questions from this topic appear regularly.
India follows a bicameral parliamentary system, meaning the Parliament has two houses. The Lok Sabha is known as the Lower House or House of the People, while the Rajya Sabha is called the Upper House or Council of States. Both houses participate in the legislative process, but their powers, composition, tenure, and functions differ significantly.
What is Lok Sabha?
The Lok Sabha is the lower house of the Indian Parliament and represents the people of India directly. Members of Lok Sabha are elected by citizens through direct elections based on universal adult franchise. Because it reflects the will of the people, Lok Sabha is considered the more powerful house in financial and executive matters.
Composition of Lok Sabha
- Maximum strength: 552 members
- Up to 530 from States
- Up to 20 from Union Territories
- Current elected strength: 543 members
Tenure of Lok Sabha
The normal tenure of Lok Sabha is 5 years from the date of its first meeting. However, it can be dissolved earlier by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. During a national emergency, its term can be extended by Parliament.
Presiding Officer
The Lok Sabha is presided over by the Speaker of Lok Sabha, who maintains order, conducts proceedings, and decides whether a bill is a Money Bill.
Major Powers of Lok Sabha
- Controls the Council of Ministers
- Can pass a No-Confidence Motion
- Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha
- Greater control over financial matters
- Participates in law-making and constitutional amendments
What is Rajya Sabha?
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Indian Parliament and represents the states and union territories. Unlike Lok Sabha, its members are not directly elected by the public. Instead, they are elected by the elected members of State Legislative Assemblies through proportional representation.
Composition of Rajya Sabha
- Maximum strength: 250 members
- 238 represent States and UTs
- 12 members nominated by the President
- Current strength: 245 members
Permanent Nature
Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and cannot be dissolved. However, one-third of its members retire every two years and new members are elected. Each member serves a term of six years.
Presiding Officer
The Rajya Sabha is chaired by the Vice-President of India, who acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the house.
Major Powers of Rajya Sabha
- Reviews and revises legislation
- Represents interests of states
- Can delay Money Bills (but not reject)
- Special power under Article 249
- Participates in constitutional amendments
Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha – Two Column Comparison
| Lok Sabha (Lower House) | Rajya Sabha (Upper House) |
|---|---|
| House of the People | Council of States |
| Members directly elected | Members indirectly elected |
| Maximum strength: 552 | Maximum strength: 250 |
| Tenure: 5 years | Permanent body |
| Can be dissolved | Cannot be dissolved |
| Speaker presides | Vice-President presides |
| Controls Council of Ministers | No direct control over government |
| Money Bill introduced here | Can only recommend changes |
| Represents people | Represents states |
| More powerful in finance | Limited financial powers |
Similarities Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Both are parts of the Indian Parliament.
- Both participate in the law-making process.
- Both discuss national and public issues.
- Both are mentioned in the Constitution of India.
- Both take part in constitutional amendments.
- Both houses must pass ordinary bills.
Important Constitutional Articles
- Article 79: Constitution of Parliament
- Article 80: Composition of Rajya Sabha
- Article 81: Composition of Lok Sabha
- Article 83: Duration of Houses
- Article 110: Money Bill definition
- Article 249: Special power of Rajya Sabha
Previous Year Exam MCQs
Q1. Which house of Parliament is permanent?
A) Lok Sabha
B) Rajya Sabha
C) Both
D) None
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Explanation: Rajya Sabha is never dissolved; it is a continuing chamber.
Q2. Money Bills can be introduced in?
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Either House
D) Joint Session
Answer: Lok Sabha
Explanation: Article 110 clearly states Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha.
Q3. Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
A) Speaker
B) President
C) Vice-President
D) Prime Minister
Answer: Vice-President
Q4. Maximum strength of Rajya Sabha?
A) 245
B) 250
C) 552
D) 543
Answer: 250
Q5. Term of Lok Sabha is normally?
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) Permanent
Answer: 5 years
50 Important MCQs on Lok Sabha vs Rajya Sabha
Practice these exam-oriented multiple choice questions to strengthen your concept of the Indian Parliament.
- Which house of Parliament is called the House of the People?
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Both
D) None
Answer: Lok Sabha
Explanation: Lok Sabha members are directly elected by the people. - Which house is known as the Council of States?
A) Lok Sabha
B) Rajya Sabha
C) Both
D) None
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Explanation: Rajya Sabha represents the states of India. - Maximum strength of Lok Sabha is?
A) 250
B) 545
C) 552
D) 543
Answer: 552
Explanation: Article 81 provides the maximum limit. - Maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is?
A) 238
B) 250
C) 245
D) 552
Answer: 250
Explanation: Article 80 fixes the maximum strength. - Normal tenure of Lok Sabha is?
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) Permanent
Answer: 5 years - Rajya Sabha members serve for?
A) 4 years
B) 5 years
C) 6 years
D) Permanent life
Answer: 6 years - Which house cannot be dissolved?
A) Lok Sabha
B) Rajya Sabha
C) Both
D) None
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Money Bill can be introduced in?
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Either House
D) Joint Sitting
Answer: Lok Sabha - Who is the presiding officer of Lok Sabha?
A) President
B) Vice-President
C) Speaker
D) Prime Minister
Answer: Speaker - Who is the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
A) President
B) Vice-President
C) Speaker
D) Chief Justice
Answer: Vice-President - Which house has greater control over the Council of Ministers?
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Both equally
D) None
Answer: Lok Sabha - No-Confidence Motion can be moved in?
A) Rajya Sabha
B) Lok Sabha
C) Both
D) None
Answer: Lok Sabha - Rajya Sabha represents?
A) People
B) States
C) Judiciary
D) President
Answer: States - Lok Sabha represents?
A) States
B) People
C) Governors
D) Judiciary
Answer: People - One-third members of Rajya Sabha retire after?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 6 years
Answer: 2 years - Which Article defines Money Bill?
A) 79
B) 80
C) 110
D) 356
Answer: 110 - Which Article deals with composition of Lok Sabha?
A) 80
B) 81
C) 83
D) 79
Answer: 81 - Which Article deals with composition of Rajya Sabha?
A) 80
B) 81
C) 82
D) 83
Answer: 80 - Joint sitting of Parliament is presided over by?
A) President
B) Speaker of Lok Sabha
C) Vice-President
D) PM
Answer: Speaker of Lok Sabha - Rajya Sabha can delay Money Bill for maximum?
A) 7 days
B) 14 days
C) 1 month
D) Cannot delay
Answer: 14 days - India follows which type of legislature?
Answer: Bicameral
Explanation: Two houses — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. - Which house is more powerful in financial matters?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Who nominates members to Rajya Sabha?
Answer: President - How many members can President nominate to Rajya Sabha?
Answer: 12 - Minimum age for Lok Sabha membership?
Answer: 25 years - Minimum age for Rajya Sabha membership?
Answer: 30 years - Which house is called Lower House?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house is Upper House?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Term of Rajya Sabha member?
Answer: 6 years - Can Rajya Sabha remove government?
Answer: No - Can Lok Sabha remove government?
Answer: Yes - Who decides Money Bill nature?
Answer: Speaker of Lok Sabha - Which house is permanent?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Which house faces general election?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house protects federal structure?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Which house has more financial power?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house reviews legislation?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Which house reflects popular will?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house has fixed tenure?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house continues permanently?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Who conducts Lok Sabha proceedings?
Answer: Speaker - Who conducts Rajya Sabha proceedings?
Answer: Vice-President - Which house is dissolved during emergency sometimes extended?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house includes nominated members?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Final authority on Money Bill?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house is more democratic in nature?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house is more federal in character?
Answer: Rajya Sabha - Parliament of India consists of President and?
Answer: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - Which house can initiate no-confidence motion?
Answer: Lok Sabha - Which house cannot be dissolved ever?
Answer: Rajya Sabha
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Lok Sabha = Lower House; Rajya Sabha = Upper House
- Lok Sabha members are directly elected
- Rajya Sabha is a permanent house
- Money Bills originate only in Lok Sabha
- Vice-President chairs Rajya Sabha
- Lok Sabha controls the government
- Rajya Sabha represents states
- Lok Sabha tenure is 5 years
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
The Lok Sabha represents the people of India and its members are directly elected, whereas the Rajya Sabha represents the states and its members are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies.
Which house is more powerful in India?
Lok Sabha is generally more powerful, especially in financial matters and in controlling the Council of Ministers through the no-confidence motion.
Is Rajya Sabha a permanent house?
Yes. Rajya Sabha is a continuing chamber and cannot be dissolved. However, one-third of its members retire every two years.
Who presides over Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha, while the Vice-President of India acts as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Why does India have two houses of Parliament?
India follows a bicameral system to ensure better law-making, proper debate, and adequate representation of both the people and the states in the legislative process.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is essential for mastering Indian Polity. While Lok Sabha reflects the will of the people and holds greater financial and executive powers, Rajya Sabha plays a vital role in maintaining federal balance and reviewing legislation. For competitive exams, aspirants should focus on composition, tenure, powers, and constitutional provisions to answer questions accurately and confidently.