What is the Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Knowing the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is important for exams like UPSC. The difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in terms of composition and power is discussed here.
Deeksha Dixit21 May, 2024
Share
Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha: The Indian Parliament which is constituted under Article 79 (Part V) follows a bicameral structure with two houses named Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. These houses have a distinct composition, electoral college, tenure, head of the house, and functions.
Understanding the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is not only essential from an exam perspective but crucial for a deeper comprehension of India's democratic structure. This topic is equally relevant for the Indian Polity subject of UPSC Prelims and GS II paper of UPSC Mains . Read on to learn the difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.About Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
Article 79 of the Indian Constitution states that “There shall be Parliament for the Union, which shall consist of the President and two Houses, to be known respectively as the Council of States and the House of the People.” These houses later came to be known as Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from 1954 onwards.What is Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha, referred to as the 'House of the People,' serves as a symbol of the collective voice of India's citizens. In this house, 550 directly elected members represent the people of India. These members have a tenure of 5 years and look after the over-critical domains like defense, finance, and home affairs. Lok Sabha has a pivotal role in making and approving bills, laws, and the budget in National interest. All citizens over 18 years of age can vote in favor of members for the Lok Sabha elections underscoring the influence of the people of this country in shaping the nation's governance.What is Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha is known as the 'Council of States’ and upholds the federal equilibrium by safeguarding states' interests. Members of this house include 250 indirectly elected and nominated representatives. Rajya Sabha has a crucial role in scrutinizing and amending legislation passed by the Lok Sabha. Further, this house is a permanent body, unlike Lok Sabha. This ensures continuity in public policy matters of national interest when the ‘House of People’ is not in session. Rajya Sabha is a safety valve that keeps a check and balance on populist or haphazard decisions while giving representation to regional parties and eminent professionals.Also Read: Important Topics for UPSC Prelims 2024
Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The basic difference between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lies in their composition and roles within the Indian parliamentary system. Lok Sabha serves as the voice of citizens, while Rajya Sabha acts as the guide of federal character. Here are the key differences between these two houses of the Indian Parliament:| Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | ||
| Comparison Basis | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
| Constitutional Provision | House of the People (Article 81) | Council of States (Article 80) |
| Minimum Age | 25 years | 30 years |
| Term | 5 Years | Permanent body with 1/3 members retiring every 2 years |
| Head of the House | Speaker | Vice-President |
| Composition | Maximum strength is 550 (530 represent states, and 20 represent union territories). Currently, 543 members. | Maximum strength is 250 (238 from states and 12 nominated). Currently, there are 245 members. |
| Electoral College | All Citizens above the age of 18 | Members of state legislative assembly (MLAs) and union territories with legislative assembly |
| Election Process | Directly election through the First Past The Post (FPTP) system. | Indirectly election through proportional representation |
| Election Principle | Universal Adult Franchise | Proportional Representation by means of single transferable votes |
| Role | Legislation, control over the executive, passing money bills | Represents the federal interests, creates new All-India Services, checks and balance |
Difference Between Composition of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The composition of both houses varies due to different representations. Since the people from the various constituencies in India directly elect the members of the House of People, this house has more strength compared to the Council of States. The difference between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha with respect to composition is presented below:| Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | ||
| House | Maximum Strength | Current Strength |
| Lok Sabha (House of People) | 550 (530 from states, 20 from union territories) | 543 members |
| Rajya Sabha (Council of States) | 250 (238 from states, 12 nominated by the president) | 245 members |
Difference Between the Powers of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha share equal powers in many aspects, such as the introduction and passage of ordinary bills, constitutional amendment bills, the president's election and impeachment, and even the selection of the Prime Minister. Other than these, both houses approve ordinances, discuss reports of constitutional bodies, and can proclaim all 3 emergencies. However, there are certain differences when it comes to exclusive powers as discussed here:| Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha | ||
| Powers | Lok Sabha | Rajya Sabha |
| Money Bill | Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha; final decision by Speaker | Cannot amend or reject; must return within 14 days with or without recommendation |
| Financial Bill | Can be introduced only in Lok Sabha | Cannot introduce but have equal powers in the passage |
| Budget | Discusses and votes on demands for grants | It can discuss but cannot vote on demands for grants |
| Discontinuing National Emergency | Can pass resolution | - |
| No-Confidence Motion | Can remove the council of ministers by using this motion | No Power for that |
| Special Powers | - |
|
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Interview | UPSC Optional Subject | UPSC Course |
| UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024 | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Topper 2024 |
Difference Between Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha FAQs
Which is the more powerful house, Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha?
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha hold significant powers, but in terms of legislative authority and control over the executive, Lok Sabha tends to be more powerful due to its direct representation of the people.
What is the strength of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
Currently, Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 550 members, while Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members.
What are the main functions of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha?
The Lok Sabha is primarily responsible for legislation, controlling the executive, and passing money bills, whereas the Rajya Sabha represents federal interests, scrutinizes legislation, and creates checks and balances.
Why is the Lok Sabha more powerful than the Rajya Sabha?
The Lok Sabha holds more power due to its direct representation of the people and its authority over crucial matters like finance and defense.
Is the Lok Sabha better than the Rajya Sabha?
Both houses have their own significance as they serve different purposes within India's parliamentary democracy. While Lok Sabha represents the will of the people, Rajya Sabha safeguards federal interests.
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.