Art. 63
Part V: The Union
The Vice-President of India
Exact text — Constitution of India
There shall be a Vice-President of India.
In Plain English
What this Article actually means
This Article establishes India's second-highest constitutional office. The Vice-President's primary constitutional roles are serving as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and stepping in to discharge the President's functions during a vacancy, rather than having substantial independent executive powers of their own.
Why This Matters To You
How it shows up in everyday life
This is why, unlike the American Vice-President model of a clearly-defined presidential 'running mate' with a fixed succession line, India's Vice-President is separately elected and primarily known for chairing the Rajya Sabha's daily proceedings.
Related Articles
Read alongside this one
Frequently Asked
Quick answers about Article 63
Does the Vice-President automatically become President if the President's office falls vacant?
Not permanently — the Vice-President discharges the President's FUNCTIONS during the vacancy (per Article 65), but a fresh presidential election must still be held within 6 months; the Vice-President doesn't automatically inherit the full remaining term.
The text above reproduces Article 63 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.