Article 80
Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha
Article 80 defines the composition of Rajya Sabha. It provides for both elected and nominated members, with the nominated members serving a specific constitutional function.
- Article 80(1)(a): The President shall nominate 12 members to Rajya Sabha
- Article 80(3): The 12 nominees must be persons "having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of literature, science, art and social service" — the Constitution specifies these four fields
- Maximum strength of Rajya Sabha: 250 (238 elected from states and UTs + 12 nominated)
- Current strength: 245 (233 elected + 12 nominated)
- Nominated members have the same rights as elected members (including voting rights) with one exception — they cannot vote in the election of the President under Article 54
- Notable nominated members historically: Sarojini Naidu, Homi Jehangir Bhabha, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Sachin Tendulkar, Rekha, Anu Aga
- Term of nominated members: 6 years (same as elected Rajya Sabha members)
- Harivansh was nominated in the field of journalism — a sub-category of "art and social service" broadly construed
● Tracked since February 18, 2026 · last seen April 17, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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