Degressive Proportionality

  • Degressive proportionality is a principle of political representation
  • It ensures that:
    • More populous units receive more seats
    • Less populous units receive disproportionately higher representation per capita
  • It lies between equality of states and equality of population

Core Features

  • Increase in population leads to an increase in number of seats
  • Population per representative rises with population size
  • Smaller units are over-represented
  • Larger units are under-represented
  • Prevents dominance of highly populous units in decision-making

Application of Degressive Proportionality

European Union

  • Applied in the European Parliament
  • Smaller countries like Malta and Luxembourg enjoy higher representation per capita than larger countries like Germany and France
  • Balances democratic representation with equality of member states

Rationale Behind Degressive Proportionality

  • Protects political voice of smaller or less populous units
  • Prevents marginalisation by demographically dominant units
  • Promotes unity and cohesion in multi-state or multi-national unions
  • Encourages consensus-oriented governance

Degressive Proportionality and Proportional Representation

  • Proportional representation is based purely on population
  • Degressive proportionality modifies population-based representation to protect smaller units
  • Under degressive proportionality:
    • Democratic equality is balanced with federal stability
    • Political power is distributed to avoid excessive concentration

Indian Context

  • India does not formally adopt degressive proportionality
  • However, similar outcomes emerge due to:
  • These mechanisms prevent loss of political influence of smaller or demographically slower-growing states
  • The concept is relevant in debates on:
    • Delimitation
    • Federal balance
    • Incentives for population control

Rajya Sabha and Degressive Logic

  • Rajya Sabha representation is not strictly proportional to population
  • Smaller states are guaranteed minimum representation
  • Emphasises federal principle over population-based dominance

Criticism

  • Dilutes the principle of one person one vote
  • Leads to under-representation of populous regions
  • Requires careful design to avoid democratic imbalance

Advantages

  • Strengthens federal stability
  • Protects regional and minority interests
  • Prevents excessive political centralisation
  • Encourages cooperative federalism
About the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE)

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most competitive and esteemed examinations in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for services such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and others. The exam comprises three stages — Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test (Interview) — designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, decision-making, and leadership skills.


How to Prepare Effectively for UPSC CSE

Cracking the UPSC CSE requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, consistent revision, structured answer writing, and smart test-taking strategies. The Prelims test analytical and conceptual clarity, the Mains focuses on critical thinking, articulation, and subject mastery, while the Interview assesses presence of mind, ethical judgment, and personality traits relevant to public service.

At UnderStand UPSC, we empower aspirants with a personalized and focused approach to each stage of the exam.


Why Choose UnderStand UPSC?

UnderStand UPSC is a mentorship-driven platform offering a clear, clutter-free strategy to tackle the Civil Services Examination. Our programs like Transform (for beginners and intermediate learners) and Conquer (for advanced mains preparation) provide structured study plans, syllabus-wise video content, interactive live sessions, and answer writing support.

We emphasize:

  • Concept clarity through topic-wise lectures

  • Test series designed around real UPSC standards

  • Personalized mentorship in small groups

  • Regular performance tracking and peer benchmarking

  • Doubt-clearing sessions, current affairs analysis, and monthly magazines


Join the UnderStand UPSC Learning Community

Our mission is to make UPSC preparation less overwhelming and more strategic. We combine mentorship, discipline, and academic rigor to help you clear CSE with confidence. Whether you’re preparing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or a remote village — our online-first model ensures quality guidance reaches every corner of India.

Join the thousands of aspirants who trust UnderStand UPSC to guide their journey toward becoming civil servants.

Stay connected with us through our Telegram, YouTube, and Instagram channels for daily tips, strategies, and updates.

Copyright © 2026 USARAMBHA EDUCATION (UnderStand UPSC). All Rights Reserved.

Join the Success Journey!