Skip to main content
Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness initiative — not a Government of India website.
Art. 84 Part V: The Union

Qualification for Membership of Parliament

Exact text — Constitution of India

A person shall not be qualified to be chosen to fill a seat in Parliament unless he—(a) is a citizen of India, and makes and subscribes before some person authorised... an oath or affirmation...; (b) is, in the case of a seat in the Council of States, not less than thirty years of age and, in the case of a seat in the House of the People, not less than twenty-five years of age; and (c) possesses such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article sets basic qualification requirements for both Houses — Indian citizenship, taking the prescribed oath, and a minimum age (30 for Rajya Sabha, 25 for Lok Sabha — the higher Rajya Sabha threshold reflecting its intended character as a more senior, experienced chamber), plus whatever additional qualifications Parliament might legislate.
Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why you must be at least 25 to contest a Lok Sabha seat but 30 for the Rajya Sabha — a deliberate age differential reflecting the Upper House's designed role as a chamber of relatively greater experience and seniority.

Related Articles

Read alongside this one

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 84

Can Parliament add further qualification requirements beyond citizenship and age?
Yes — clause (c) specifically allows Parliament to prescribe additional qualifications by law, giving it ongoing flexibility to adjust candidacy requirements as needed.

The text above reproduces Article 84 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.