In Indian parliamentary practice, after how many years is the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) dissolved, if at all?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your understanding of the structure and functioning of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament. Knowing whether it has a fixed term or is a permanent body is a fundamental aspect of Indian polity. The Lok Sabha has a fixed normal term of five years, but the Rajya Sabha has a different pattern of membership and tenure. This distinction reflects the idea of continuity and stability in parliamentary systems with bicameral legislatures.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question specifically concerns the Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States.
• Options suggest different possible time periods after which it might be dissolved, including 2 years, 5 years, 6 years, 10 years, and the possibility that it is never dissolved.
• We assume the constitutional provisions of India as laid down in the Constitution and explained in standard polity texts.

Concept / Approach:
According to the Constitution of India, the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution, unlike the Lok Sabha. One third of its members retire every two years, and those seats are filled by fresh elections or nominations as applicable. Each individual member generally has a term of six years, but the institution as a whole continues without a break. This is similar to several other upper houses globally, where staggered terms ensure continuity even when the lower house is dissolved and reconstituted.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that the Lok Sabha has a normal term of five years but can be dissolved earlier. 2. The Rajya Sabha, on the other hand, is described as a permanent body in the Constitution. 3. One third of the members of the Rajya Sabha retire every two years, and elections are held to fill these vacancies. 4. Because only the members rotate and there is no provision for dissolving the entire House, the Rajya Sabha as an institution continues indefinitely. 5. Therefore, the correct response is that the Rajya Sabha is never dissolved.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check any standard Indian polity book, you will find two key statements: first, that the Rajya Sabha is a permanent house and is not subject to dissolution; second, that one third of its members retire every second year. These two facts together confirm that no fixed year count exists after which the Rajya Sabha is dissolved. Only its membership changes in a staggered fashion, which is why the correct choice is that it is never dissolved.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• After every 2 years: This mistakenly confuses the retirement of one third of members with dissolution of the whole House.
• After every 5 years: This corresponds to the normal life of the Lok Sabha, not the Rajya Sabha.
• After every 6 years: Six years is the term of an individual Rajya Sabha member, but this does not mean the House itself is dissolved.
• After every 10 years: There is no such constitutional provision regarding the Rajya Sabha.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent error is to mix up the term of members with the life of the House. Students sometimes read that Rajya Sabha members serve six year terms and assume that the House itself is renewed every six years. Another confusion arises from the two year retirement cycle. To avoid mistakes, remember this formula: the Lok Sabha can be dissolved but has a normal term of five years, while the Rajya Sabha is permanent and is renewed partially every two years.

Final Answer:
The Rajya Sabha as a House of Parliament is never dissolved; only its members retire in a staggered manner.