Which one among the following states has the highest number of seats in the Council of States ?

The allocation of seats in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) is governed by the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution and is primarily based on the population of each state [2]. Among the options provided, Tamil Nadu has the highest representation with 18 seats. Bihar follows with 16 seats. Andhra Pradesh currently has 11 seats (following the reorganization and creation of Telangana), and Madhya Pradesh also has 11 seats. Nationally, Uttar Pradesh holds the highest number of seats at 31, followed by Maharashtra with 19. Since the question asks to identify the state with the highest number among the specific choices given, Tamil Nadu is the correct answer as its 18 seats exceed the allocations for Bihar (16), Andhra Pradesh (11), and Madhya Pradesh (11).

Sources

1. [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Composition of Rajya Sabha > p. 223
2. [2] Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: LEGISLATURE > WHY DO WE NEED TWO HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT? > p. 105