As India prepares to form the 18th Lok Sabha, the age profile of the Members of Parliament (MPs) reveals a significant shift. For the first time, 52% of MPs are above the age of 55, making this the oldest parliament in the history of independent India.

According to a report by PRS Legislative Research, 78% of these MPs have completed their undergraduate education, and 5% hold doctoral degrees. The data was released following the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday, where representatives were elected from 543 constituencies nationwide.

The 2024 elections saw an increase in political participation, with the number of contesting parties rising from 36 in 2019 to 41 this year. National parties secured 346 seats, state parties won 179, unrecognised parties took 11, and independent candidates claimed 7 seats.

The PRS report highlights that, despite a slight decrease in the average age of MPs from 59 years in the 17th Lok Sabha to 56 years in the 18th, the proportion of older MPs has increased. Specifically, 11% of MPs are 40 years or younger, 38% are between 41 and 55, and a notable 52% are older than 55. The oldest MP is 82 years old, while three MPs are as young as 25.

Educational attainment among MPs has also seen a positive trend. The proportion of MPs with at least an undergraduate degree has been steadily increasing since the 1st Lok Sabha, peaking at 78% in the current assembly. Additionally, 5% of MPs hold doctoral degrees, including three women MPs.

?The proportion of MPs who have completed undergraduate education increased steadily from the 1st Lok Sabha till the 11th (1996-98). Since then, the proportion of MPs who have not attended college has increased. However, this figure has decreased from 27% in the 17th Lok Sabha to 22% in the 18th Lok Sabha,? the PRS report stated.

As the 18th Lok Sabha convenes, this shift towards an older and more educated parliament will shape the legislative process and the future of Indian governance.