Parliament of India: Complete Theory Notes for UPSC, SSC, WBCS, PSC, Railway and Competitive Exams

Introduction: The Parliament of India is the supreme legislative body of the Union Government. It plays a crucial role in law-making, financial control, executive accountability, and constitutional amendments. Questions related to Parliament are frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, WBCS, PSC, Railway, Banking, CTET, CDS, CAPF and other competitive examinations.

Key Facts Box

• Part of Constitution: Part V
• Articles: 79–122
• Parliament Consists of: President + Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha
• Upper House: Rajya Sabha
• Lower House: Lok Sabha

Composition of Parliament

According to Article 79, the Parliament of India consists of:

• President of India
• Rajya Sabha (Council of States)
• Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Important: Although the President is not a member of either House, he/she is an integral part of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha (Council of States)

Feature	Details
Maximum Strength	250
Present Strength	245
Nominated Members	12
Term	6 Years
Permanent House?	Yes

One-third of Rajya Sabha members retire every two years.

Lok Sabha (House of the People)

Feature	Details
Maximum Strength	552
Present Strength	543
Minimum Age	25 Years
Term	5 Years
Can be Dissolved?	Yes

Presiding Officers

House	Presiding Officer
Rajya Sabha	Vice-President of India (Ex-Officio Chairman)
Lok Sabha	Speaker

Important Powers of Parliament

• Law Making Powers
• Financial Powers
• Constitutional Amendment Powers
• Control over Executive
• Electoral Functions
• Judicial Functions

Parliamentary Sessions

• Budget Session
• Monsoon Session
• Winter Session

Constitutional Rule: There should not be more than six months between two sessions of Parliament.

Exam Focus Box

• Article 79 → Parliament
• Rajya Sabha → Permanent House
• Lok Sabha → Directly Elected House
• Vice-President → Chairman of Rajya Sabha
• Speaker → Presiding Officer of Lok Sabha

Quick Revision Notes

Article 79 → Parliament
Rajya Sabha → Permanent House
Lok Sabha → 5-Year Term
Speaker → Lok Sabha
Vice-President → Rajya Sabha Chairman

Most Important Points Summary

1. Parliament consists of President, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha.
2. Rajya Sabha is a permanent house.
3. Lok Sabha can be dissolved.
4. Speaker presides over Lok Sabha.
5. Parliament is the supreme legislative body of the Union.

FAQ Section

Q1. Which Article deals with Parliament?
Article 79.

Q2. Which House is known as the Permanent House?
Rajya Sabha.

Q3. Who is the Chairman of Rajya Sabha?
Vice-President of India.

Q4. Who presides over Lok Sabha?
Speaker.

Conclusion

The chapter on Parliament of India is a core topic in Indian Polity. Understanding its composition, powers, sessions, and constitutional provisions is essential for success in UPSC, SSC, WBCS, PSC, Railway, Banking, CTET and other competitive examinations.