At present, the maximum strength of Rajya Sabha is-

• The present strength of the Rajya Sabha is 245 members.

• Out of these, 233 members are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir.

• The remaining 12 members are nominated by the President of India.

• The representation of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory has been effective since October 31, 2019.

• The elected representatives are chosen by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies through the system of proportional representation.

Information Booster:

• Constitutional Limit: While the current strength is 245, Article 80 of the Constitution fixes the maximum possible strength at 250.

• Nomination Fields: The 12 nominated members are individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in Literature, Science, Art, and Social Service.

• Permanent House: The Rajya Sabha is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution, with one-third of its members retiring every second year.

• Allocation of Seats: The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the allocation of seats to the States and Union Territories.

Additional Knowledge:

• 233 (Option a): This figure represents only the elected representatives currently in the House, excluding the nominated members.

• 250 (Option b): This is the Maximum Constitutional Strength, which is the total capacity allowed by law, though not all seats are currently filled.

• 238 (Option d): This is the maximum number of representatives from States and UTs allowed if the House reached its full capacity of 250.

• Presiding Officer: The Vice-President of India serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.