Previous Year Question

Article 54 of the Constitution of India determines the composition of the Electoral College for the election of the President. According to it, the President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of—

1. the elected members of both Houses of Parliament, i.e. the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha; and

2. the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States.

The Explanation to Article 54 provides that, for the purpose of the Presidential election, the expression “State” also includes the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Therefore, the elected members of their Legislative Assemblies also participate in the Presidential election.

However, members of State Legislative Councils do not participate in the election of the President. Similarly, nominated members of Parliament are also excluded because Article 54 specifically refers to elected members.

Remember:
Presidential Election = Elected MPs + Elected MLAs
Members of Legislative Councils = Not included
Nominated MPs/MLAs = Not included