Question

Consider the following statements regarding the age limits for contesting elections in India.

1. The minimum age to contest for the office of President or Vice-President is 35 years.

2. The minimum age to contest for a Rajya Sabha seat is 30 years, while for a Lok Sabha seat, it is 25 years.

3. The minimum age to contest for a Panchayat or Municipal Council election is 25 years.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 and 2 only

Indian Polity - Election Commission and Eligibility Criteria

Key Eligibility Requirements for Contesting Elections in India:

• President and Vice-President:
  • To contest for the office of the President or Vice-President of India, a candidate must have attained the age of 35 years. This is a constitutional requirement as per Article 58 and 66 of the Constitution of India.
• Parliamentary Elections:
  • Rajya Sabha (Council of States): The minimum age requirement to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha is 30 years. This is stipulated in Article 84(b) of the Constitution.
  • Lok Sabha (House of the People): The minimum age requirement to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha is 25 years. This is also stipulated in Article 84(b) of the Constitution.
• Panchayat and Municipal Elections:
  • The minimum age to contest elections for Panchayats and Municipalities is generally 21 years, as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and relevant state/local acts. Statement 3, which suggests 25 years, is incorrect.
• Other Key Points for Competitive Exams:
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, the office of the President of India, and the office of the Vice-President of India.
  • Disqualifications for membership of Parliament are detailed in Article 102 of the Constitution.
  • The Representation of the People Act, 1951, lays down the detailed procedure for the conduct of elections and eligibility criteria for voters and candidates.