What is the qualification required to become a member of the Rajya Sabha ?

A candidate for the election to the Rajya Sabha should possess the following qualifications:-

(a) He must be a citizen of India.

(b) He must be not less than 30 years of age.

(c) He must possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed by the Parliament by law.

Elections to the Rajya Sabha are indirect. As its members are elected by the Legislative Assemblies, the system of election brings a federal element in the Constitution.

The Rajya Sabha is a permanent House like the American Senate. Like the American Senate the members of the Rajya Sabha are elected for six years. At the end of every second year. One-third of the members are retired. This provision enables the Rajya Sabha to retain its political complexion in a most stable manner than the Lok Sabha which after every election is completely a new House. Elderly statesmen are often elected to the Rajya Sabha. That is why appeal from the Rajya Sabha to the Lok Sabha is like the “appeal from Philip, the sober, to Philip, the drunk”.