As of 2023[update], it has a maximum membership of 245, of which 233 are elected by the State legislative assemblies of India and of union territories using single transferable votes through open ballots, while the President of India can appoint 12 members for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social service.

[2] The current potential seating capacity of the Rajya Sabha is 245 (233 elected, 12 appointed), after the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act.

In the case of conflicting legislation, a Joint Session of Indian Parliament of the two houses can be held, where the Lok Sabha would hold a greater influence because of its larger membership.

[5] The Rajya Sabha proceedings are televised live on channel Sansad TV, headquartered within the premises of Parliament.

[9] Based on the § Qualifications, twelve members are nominated by the President of India who have special knowledge in various areas like arts and science.

[12] Joint sessions of Parliament are a rarity, and have been convened three times in the last 71 years, for passage of a specific legislative act, the latest time being in 2002: Unlike the Lok Sabha, members of the Rajya Sabha cannot bring to the house a no-confidence motion against the government.

The Union government cannot make a law on a matter reserved for States without any authorisation from the Rajya Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha, by a two-thirds super majority, can pass a resolution empowering the Indian government to create more all-India services common to both the union and the states.

Members of the Rajya Sabha by their political party (as of 25 January 2025[update]): Seats are allotted in proportion to the population of each state or union territory.

Hence, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Ladakh and Lakshadweep do not send any representatives.

The current Vice-Chairpersons include Phangnon Konyak, P. T. Usha, Kiran Choudhry, Mamata Mohanta, Ghanshyam Tiwari, Sasmit Patra, Ajay Makan, and Bhubaneswar Kalita.

[18] In the discharge of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, the chairman of the Rajya Sabha is assisted by the secretary-general, who holds the rank equivalent to the cabinet secretary to the government of India.

[19][20] In the winter 2019 session, uniforms of Rajya Sabha marshals were restyled from traditional Indian attire comprising turbans to dark navy blue and olive green military-style outfits with caps.

[21][22] Sansad TV (STV) is a 24-hour parliamentary television channel owned and operated jointly by both houses of Indian Parliament.

The channel aims to provide in-depth coverage and analysis of parliamentary affairs, especially its functioning and policy development.

During sessions, Sansad TV provides live coverage and presents an analysis of the proceedings of the house as well as other day-to-day parliamentary events and developments.