The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the schedule for the 17th Vice-Presidential Election 2025, following the vacancy that has arisen in the esteemed office. As per Article 67 and Article 68(2) of the Constitution, the Vice-President must be elected as soon as possible after the office becomes vacant. The notification initiating this election process was issued on July 22, 2025 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In accordance with constitutional provisions and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission has now laid out a detailed timeline and procedures for electing the next Vice-President of India.
Vice-Presidential Election 2025: Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Issued | 7 August 2025 (Thursday) |
| Last Date for Nominations | 21 August 2025 (Thursday) |
| Scrutiny of Nominations | 22 August 2025 (Friday) |
| Last Date for Withdrawal | 25 August 2025 (Monday) |
| Poll Date (if required) | 9 September 2025 (Tuesday) |
| Hours of Poll | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Counting of Votes | 9 September 2025 (Evening) |
Who Elects the Vice-President?
According to Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), using a system of Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote and secret ballot.
Total Members in Electoral College (2025):
- 543 Elected Members of Lok Sabha (1 seat currently vacant)
- 233 Elected Members of Rajya Sabha (5 seats currently vacant)
- 12 Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
Total: 788 Members (782 presently active)
Each Member has one vote.
Voting Process & Ballot Instructions
- Voting is strictly secret and must be done only with the special pen provided at the polling booth.
- Electors must mark their preferences numerically (1, 2, 3, etc.) in figures only.
- The first preference is mandatory, others are optional.
- Ballot papers marked using any pen other than the one provided will be rejected.
- Voting will be conducted at Room No. F-101, Vasudha, First Floor, Parliament House, New Delhi.
Key Rules for Nomination
- Nomination papers (Form 3) must be filed in person or by a proposer/seconder between 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (excluding holidays).
- A candidate needs at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders, all from the Electoral College.
- An elector cannot propose/second more than one candidate.
- Each candidate can submit up to four nominations.
- Security Deposit: ₹15,000 via RBI/Government Treasury before filing the nomination.
Additional Guidelines & Safeguards
- No party whip is allowed in Vice-Presidential elections.
- Secrecy of ballot is mandatory; any violation will result in cancellation of the vote.
- The Secretary General of Rajya Sabha will serve as the Returning Officer, assisted by two Assistant Returning Officers.
- ECI has appointed observers to oversee the polling and counting process.
- Efforts are being made to ensure the election is eco-friendly—prohibiting use of plastic and promoting biodegradable materials.
Official Documents & Availability
- Electoral College List available at ECI counter: ₹100 per copy
- Information Booklet on all Vice-Presidential Elections (including the current one): ₹50 per copy
Both documents are also available on the official ECI Website.
The 17th Vice-Presidential Election of India marks another crucial step in the democratic functioning of the nation. The process, governed by stringent constitutional and legal provisions, ensures transparency, fairness, and accountability at every stage.
Stay tuned for updates on nomination filings, candidate announcements, and final results as the electoral process unfolds.