Karnataka is a bicameral state, meaning that it has two houses of government - the Assembly (Vidhan Sabha – lower house) and the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad – upper house). The LC is a permanent body, meaning it cannot be dissolved and its members have 6 year-term. Karnataka Legislative Council consists of 75 numbers, of which 1/3 retire every two years.

25 members of the LC are elected by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, 25 are elected by local authorities, 7 are elected by the Graduates, 7 are elected by the Teachers and 11 members are nominated by the Governor of Karnataka.