Introduction to the Indian Vice President for RRB Exams

For aspirants preparing for the RRB NTPC and Group D examinations, the Indian Polity section is a goldmine for scoring high marks. Among the constitutional posts, the office of the Vice President of India holds significant importance. As the second-highest constitutional office in the country, it is a recurring topic in competitive exams. Understanding the constitutional provisions, election process, powers, and functions of the Vice President is crucial for any serious candidate.

Topic Weightage and Importance

In the General Awareness section of RRB exams, questions on the 'Union Executive' frequently appear. On average, you can expect 1-2 questions directly related to the Vice President. These questions often focus on articles related to the office, eligibility criteria, and the specific role of the Vice President as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Mastering this topic ensures you secure those vital marks.

Key Concepts and Formulas

To excel, memorize the following constitutional provisions:

  • Article 63: There shall be a Vice President of India.
  • Article 64: The Vice President shall be the ex-officio Chairman of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).
  • Article 66: Election of the Vice President by the members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
  • Article 67: Term of office (5 years) and resignation process.
  • Article 69: Oath or affirmation taken by the Vice President, administered by the President.

Key Fact: The Vice President is not a member of either House of Parliament but acts as the presiding officer of the Upper House.

Solved Examples (Step-by-Step)

Example 1: Who administers the oath of office to the Vice President?
Solution: The President of India or some person appointed in that behalf by the President.

Example 2: Can the Vice President be removed from office?
Solution: Yes, the Vice President can be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the House and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing the Electoral College of the President with that of the Vice President (the Vice President's election does not include State Legislative Assemblies).
  • Forgetting that the Vice President does not have a formal salary for their position; they draw a salary as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Overlooking the age eligibility (35 years) vs the minimum age for other parliamentary posts.

Practice Questions with Solutions

  1. Which Article mentions the Vice President? (Ans: Article 63)
  2. Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha? (Ans: Vice President)
  3. What is the minimum age required for the Vice President? (Ans: 35 years)
  4. Can a person be re-elected as Vice President? (Ans: Yes)
  5. Which house initiates the removal resolution? (Ans: Rajya Sabha)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does the Vice President vote in the Rajya Sabha?
A: No, the Vice President does not have a right to vote in the first instance, but can cast a 'casting vote' in case of a tie.

Q: What happens if the President's post falls vacant?
A: The Vice President acts as the President until a new President is elected (maximum period of 6 months).

Conclusion and Final Tips

The office of the Vice President is a focused topic. Consistently revising the articles from 63 to 71 will help you answer almost any question asked in the RRB NTPC or Group D exams. Stay consistent, practice previous year papers, and keep a close eye on the current Vice President of India. Good luck with your preparation!