CBSE Class 8 · Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System

The Election Commission and Types of Elections in India: Class 8 Notes and Questions

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

The Election Commission of India (ECI, set up 1950) is an independent constitutional body that conducts free and fair elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assemblies and the offices of President and Vice President. It sets dates, registers parties and enforces the Model Code of Conduct. Lok Sabha members are directly elected; Rajya Sabha, President and Vice President are elected indirectly.

Understand The Election Commission and Types of Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI). An independent constitutional body for free and fair elections, established in 1950. It conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of President and Vice President. The first general elections of independent India were held in 1951-1952. Local body elections are managed by State Election Commissions, which consult the ECI.

Tasks: setting election dates; registering political parties; enforcing the Model Code of Conduct; overseeing the entire process.

Structure (NCERT figure). National level: the Chief Election Commissioner with two Election Commissioners. State/UT level: Chief Electoral Officer. District level: District Election Officer. Also: Returning Officer (RO) who conducts elections in a constituency and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) who manages the voter list.

Scale (2024 Lok Sabha). About 968 million voters, 543 parliamentary constituencies, over 1 million polling stations; many people, including teachers, are deployed. Of the 543 seats, 84 are reserved for Scheduled Castes, 47 for Scheduled Tribes and 412 are general.

Voting procedure. First polling officer checks the name on the voter list and ID proof; the second inks the finger, gives a chit and takes a signature; the third takes the chit and checks the ink; at the fourth step the voter presses a button on the electronic voting machine (EVM), hears a beep, and checks the printed slip in the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail), which is a physical record for verification and recounting. NOTA is also an option. NCERT notes EVM-VVPAT systems have been used in countries such as Namibia and Bhutan with ECI support. The first voter of the 1951 elections was teacher Shyam Saran Negi, who voted again at the age of 100 in 2017.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC). A set of dos and don'ts for leaders, parties and candidates to keep elections free and fair. Examples: the ruling party must not misuse government resources, and no new schemes that may influence voters are to be announced; candidates should show restraint; giving gifts for votes is punishable. NCERT's examples of violations: distributing sarees and appliances to voters, abusive language against opponents, officials campaigning for the ruling party, and large sums of cash found in a candidate's car. The MCC was voluntarily adopted in Kerala in 1960 by major parties, circulated by the ECI in 1962, and enforced actively from 1991. T.N. Seshan, Chief Election Commissioner from 1990, brought reforms such as precise rules for campaigning, voter IDs to prevent proxy voting and vigilance on candidates' spending.

Lok Sabha and state elections (direct). Voters directly elect the Members of Parliament (MPs) from 543 constituencies, and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in states. The assembly has regional names such as Vidhan Sabha. The party or coalition with a majority forms the government; its leader typically becomes prime minister (or chief minister in a state). A coalition is two or more parties working together.

Rajya Sabha (indirect). Of 245 members, 233 are elected by the elected MLAs and 12 are nominated by the President. Seats are allotted by state population (more for Uttar Pradesh than for Arunachal Pradesh). It is called the Permanent House: never dissolved, a six-year term, with one-third retiring every two years. The single transferable vote system is used, so smaller states are fairly represented.

President. Not directly elected by the people. An electoral college of elected MPs of both Houses and elected MLAs of states and the union territories of Delhi and Puducherry elects the President by single transferable vote. Nominated members (the 12 in Rajya Sabha, nominated members of assemblies, members of legislative councils and nominated members from Delhi and Puducherry) take no part. NCERT's reason: only directly elected representatives vote, giving the President democratic legitimacy.

Vice President. Elected by an electoral college of the elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament, again by single transferable vote. The Vice President chairs the Rajya Sabha and steps in if the President cannot discharge the functions.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: key facts

ECI basics: Independent constitutional body
established 1950
free and fair elections
first general elections 1951-1952; Not part of the government.
Tasks of ECI: Setting election dates
Registering political parties
Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct
Overseeing the entire process; Four tasks.
Reserved Lok Sabha seats: 84 SC
47 ST
412 general
total 543; 84 + 47 + 412 = 543.
Rajya Sabha: 245 members
233 elected by MLAs
12 nominated by the President
six-year term
one-third retire every two years; 233 + 12 = 245.
Direct versus indirect elections: Direct: Lok Sabha, state assemblies, local bodies | Indirect: Rajya Sabha, President, Vice President; Single transferable vote used in indirect elections.

How to answer The Election Commission and Types of Elections questions

Questions ask for functions of the ECI, the MCC and its examples, differences between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections, who elects the President and why, and the steps in voting.

1For ECI answers: establishment, status, institutions it covers, four tasks.
2For MCC, define it and give three rules plus an example of a violation.
3For comparisons, tabulate: house, who votes, term, dissolution, system.
4For President, write the electoral college composition and who is excluded, with the reason.
5Check totals: 84 + 47 + 412 = 543 and 233 + 12 = 245 before writing.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Why a code of conduct for the party in power

Suppose the mayor of a city, a week before a municipal election, announces free gas cylinders for a particular ward using city funds, while a rival candidate is not allowed to use the city hall for a meeting.

Which Model Code of Conduct rules does this go against, and why do they matter?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Government resources should not be used for election purposes.
New schemes should not be announced to influence voters.
Fair play for all candidates is needed for a free and fair election.

Answer: It violates the rules that the party in government must not use state resources for elections and must not announce new schemes that may influence voters. These rules keep the playing field level so that voters decide freely.

Memory hook: Those in power cannot use the power to win power.

Tricks to remember The Election Commission and Types of Elections

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

233 + 12
Rajya Sabha: 233 elected by MLAs + 12 nominated = 245.
Use it when: Composition of the Rajya Sabha.
84-47-412
SC 84, ST 47, General 412 make 543.
Use it when: Reserved Lok Sabha seats.
Four polling officers
Check, Ink, Collect chit, Press: C-I-C-P.
Use it when: Steps in voting.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Who nominates? · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

Of the 245 members of the Rajya Sabha, how many are nominated by the President?
(a) 12
(b) 233
(c) 84
(d) 47

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

233 are elected by MLAs and 12 are nominated, since 233 + 12 = 245 (1 mark).

Answer: (a) 12

Example 2: Model Code of Conduct (3 marks) · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level

What is the Model Code of Conduct? State two rules and give one example of its violation. (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

A set of dos and don'ts for leaders, parties and candidates to ensure free and fair elections (1 mark).
Two rules: no new schemes announced by the government; gifts for votes are punishable; restraint by candidates (1 mark).
Example violation: distributing household goods to voters, or officials campaigning for the ruling party (1 mark).

Answer: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of dos and don'ts for leaders, political parties and candidates which they must follow to ensure free and fair elections. For example, the party in government must not use state resources for elections or announce new schemes that may influence voters, and influencing voters through gifts is punishable. Distributing sarees and household appliances to women voters would be a violation.

Example 3: Assertion-reason: Permanent House · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level

Assertion (A): The Rajya Sabha is called the Permanent House.
Reason (R): It is never dissolved; one-third of its members retire every two years and new members are elected.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Never being dissolved, with rolling retirement, is why it is called permanent (1 mark).

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

Example 4: Compare the two Houses' elections (5 marks) · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Compare the election of members of the Lok Sabha with that of the Rajya Sabha on any five points. (5 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Type: Lok Sabha direct; Rajya Sabha indirect (1 mark).
Voters: all adult citizens in 543 constituencies; elected MLAs of the states (1 mark).
System: first-past-the-post versus single transferable vote (1 mark).
Term: Lok Sabha can be dissolved; Rajya Sabha never dissolved, six-year term, one-third retire every two years (1 mark).
Composition: 543 constituencies, 84 SC and 47 ST reserved; 245 members, 233 elected plus 12 nominated; seats by state population (1 mark).

Answer: Lok Sabha members are elected directly by voters in 543 constituencies, of which 84 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 47 for Scheduled Tribes, using the first-past-the-post system. Rajya Sabha members are elected indirectly: 233 of its 245 members are chosen by the elected MLAs of the states using the single transferable vote, and 12 are nominated by the President. Seats in the Rajya Sabha are allotted by state population. The Rajya Sabha is never dissolved, members serve six years and one-third retire every two years, whereas the Lok Sabha, unlike it, can be dissolved.

Example 5: Case: The President's electoral college · 4 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

Read the case and answer.

The President of India is elected not by the common people but by an electoral college. The college has the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of states and the union territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members and nominated members of assemblies do not take part. The single transferable vote system is used, and more populous states have a greater say.

(i) Who are the members of the electoral college? (1)
(ii) Name two groups that do not vote. (1)
(iii) Why does NCERT say only directly elected representatives should vote? (2)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

(i) Elected MPs of both Houses and elected MLAs of the states, Delhi and Puducherry (1 mark).
(ii) Any two: nominated members of Rajya Sabha, nominated members of state assemblies, members of legislative councils, nominated members of Delhi and Puducherry (1 mark).
(iii) So that the President, who represents the whole country, is chosen by those who themselves have the people's mandate, maintaining democratic legitimacy indirectly but meaningfully (2 marks).

Answer: (i) The elected MPs of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the elected MLAs of the states and of Delhi and Puducherry. (ii) The 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members and the nominated members of state assemblies (or members of legislative councils). (iii) Allowing only directly elected representatives to vote means the President is chosen by those who carry the people's mandate, which gives the office democratic legitimacy indirectly but meaningfully.

Where students lose marks in The Election Commission and Types of Elections

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Saying the President is elected by the people
Mixing with MPs.
Wrong working
Citizens directly elect the President.
Right working
An electoral college of elected MPs and MLAs elects the President.
Do this: Write 'indirect election' with the college.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Including nominated members as electors
All MPs assumed to vote.
Wrong working
The 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members vote for the President.
Right working
Nominated members do not take part in electing the President.
Do this: Say 'elected members only'.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Wrong totals
Not checking arithmetic.
Wrong working
Rajya Sabha has 245 members, of whom 235 are elected.
Right working
233 elected + 12 nominated = 245.
Do this: Add the parts before writing.
Usually costs: 1 mark.

Exam tips

Draw a small table for direct versus indirect elections; it fits 5-mark questions.
For the MCC, always give a definition, two rules and one violation.
Know four numbers: 543, 84 + 47 + 412, 245 = 233 + 12, six years.
Describe the ECI as independent and constitutional; it is not a part of the executive that it supervises.

Practice questions on The Election Commission and Types of Elections

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
The Vice President of India is the chairperson of the:
(a) Lok Sabha
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Election Commission
Hint
Upper House.
Answer
(b) Rajya Sabha
Q2 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level
What is a VVPAT and why is it useful? (2 marks)
Hint
Paper record.
Answer
VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail. It produces a printed slip so that voters can check their electronic vote was recorded correctly, and the paper record serves as a backup for verification and recounting if there are disputes or failures.
Q3 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
List the main tasks and structure of the Election Commission of India. (3 marks)
Hint
Four tasks; levels of officers.
Answer
The ECI sets election dates, registers political parties, enforces the Model Code of Conduct and oversees the entire process. At the national level it has a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners; below that are a Chief Electoral Officer at state or UT level and a District Election Officer at district level, with Returning Officers who conduct elections and Electoral Registration Officers who manage voter lists.
Q4 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level
Assertion (A): The President of India is elected indirectly.
Reason (R): The electoral college consists of elected MPs and MLAs rather than all voters.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
Hint
Who votes?
Answer
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q5 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
T.N. Seshan is remembered for making Indian elections fairer. Using the chapter, explain three reforms associated with him and say how they help free and fair elections. Also name one other tool that supports fairness. (5 marks)
Hint
Rules for campaigning, voter IDs, vigilance on spending.
Answer
T.N. Seshan became Chief Election Commissioner in 1990. He ensured campaigning followed precise rules, which prevents unfair practices and keeps the playing field level. He introduced voter IDs to eliminate proxy voting, so that no one can vote on another's behalf. He kept strict vigilance on spending by candidates, which limits the influence of money. Together these made elections fairer, more transparent and fearless. Another tool that supports fairness is the Model Code of Conduct, which the ECI began enforcing proactively from 1991, along with the EVM-VVPAT system for verifiable voting.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.When was the Election Commission of India established?Show answer
1950.
2.How many Lok Sabha seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes?Show answer
47.
3.What system is used to elect Rajya Sabha members?Show answer
The single transferable vote.
4.Who was Chief Election Commissioner from 1990 and known for reforms?Show answer
T.N. Seshan.
5.What does an EVM stand for?Show answer
Electronic voting machine.

The Election Commission and Types of Elections: frequently asked questions

What does the Election Commission of India do?

It conducts free and fair elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assemblies and the offices of President and Vice President, sets dates, registers parties and enforces the Model Code of Conduct.

How is the Rajya Sabha elected?

233 members are elected by the elected MLAs of the states by single transferable vote, and 12 are nominated by the President.

Who elects the Vice President?

An electoral college of the elected and nominated members of both Houses of Parliament, using the single transferable vote.