India, world’s largest democracy, operates on multi-tiered electoral system to ensure representation from grassroots to national level. Elections are primarily categorized based on level of government and method of voting (direct or indirect).
The following article outlines various types of elections conducted in Republic of India.
1. General Elections (Lok Sabha)
General Elections are held every five years (unless house is dissolved earlier) to elect members of Lok Sabha (House of People).
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Voting Method: Direct (First-Past-The-Post system). Citizens aged 18 and above vote for candidates in their respective constituencies.
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Outcome: The party or coalition that wins majority of 543 seats forms Central Government, and its leader becomesPrime Minister.
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Significance: These elections determine national leadership and direction of country’s foreign and domestic policies.
2. State Assembly Elections (Vidhan Sabha)
These elections are held to elect members of Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) for each of 28 states and 3 Union Territories (Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir).
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Voting Method: Direct.
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Outcome: Winning party or coalition forms State Government, and its leader becomes Chief Minister.
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Frequency: Usually every five years, though cycles vary by state.
3. Upper House Elections (Rajya Sabha & Vidhan Parishad)
Unlike Lok Sabha, upper houses are permanent bodies and are not dissolved entirely.
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Rajya Sabha (Council of States): Members are elected indirectly by elected members of State Legislative Assemblies. One-third of members retire every two years, and each member serves a six-year term.
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State Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad): Only a few Indian states have a bicameral legislature. Members are elected through a complex indirect process involving MLAs, local bodies, graduates, and teachers.
4. Local Body Elections
To ensure grassroots democracy, India conducts elections for local self-governing bodies. These are managed by State Election Commissions rather than Election Commission of India.
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Rural: Panchayati Raj Institutions (Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishads).
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Urban: Municipal Corporations (Nagar Nigam), Municipal Councils (Nagar Palika), and Nagar Panchayats.
5. Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections
These are highest constitutional offices in country and are filled through indirect elections.
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President: Elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament (MPs) and elected members of Legislative Assemblies of all States (MLAs).
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Vice-President: Elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
| Body | Responsible for Elections to… |
| Election Commission of India (ECI) | Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha), State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President. |
| State Election Commissions (SEC) | Local Bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities). |