The Rajya Sabha consists of 250 members of which 12 members are nominated by the President of India. The Rajya Sabha or Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Membership is limited to 250 members, and the present Rajya Sabha has 245 members. 233 members are elected by the Vidhan Sabha members and 12 are nominated by the President for their contributions to art, literature, science, and social services. Members tenure is for six years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years.