(a) Composition: The Rajya Sabha consists of not more than 250 members. The members fall into two categories—nominated and elected. The nominated are 12 in number. They are nominated by the President from among persons having special knowledge or practical experience in matters such as theses, literature, science, art and social service. The remainders are the representatives of the States and Union Territories. The seats have been allocated to the States and Union Territories on the population basis. 

(b) Article 84 of the Constitution lays down the qualifications for membership of Parliament. 

Members of the Rajya Sabha must : 1. Be the citizens of India. 

2. Make and subscribe before some person authorized in that behalf by the Election Commission an oath or affirmation according to the form set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule to the Constitution. 

3. Be not less than 30 years of age. 

4. Possess such other qualifications as may be prescribed in that behalf by or under any law made by Parliament. 

5. Be elected by the Legislative Assembly of States and Union Territories by means of single transferable vote through proportional representation. 

(c) The Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved by the President of India. It is a permanent body like the American Senate. One third of its members retire at the end of every second year. It means that member of the Rajya Sabha have a six year term. 

Legislative Power: All bills, other than Money bills, can originate in the Rajya Sabha. No bill can become a law unless agreed to by both the house. In case of disagreement, the President may summon both the houses in a joint meeting. At the joint meeting questions are decided by a majority of the members of both Houses present and voting.