David W. Dent
Abstract: This paper argues that having certain credentials increased one’s chances of getting recruited to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Indian Parliament, in 1962. The year 1962 was selected in particular because this year marked a shift from old patterns of elite recruitment to new patterns that consisted of a different set of leadership credentials. Even though an increasing number of people being elected to the Lok Sabha are less educated, the upper houses of the Lok Sabha continues to demand higher education. Other factors that determine one’s likelihood of being recruited into the Lok Sabha include size of town of birth, age, number of terms already served in the Lok Sabha, party leadership positions, and political party affiliation. Overall, the author concludes that in order to advance within the Lok Sabha, one must have rural roots, educational experience, and political connections.
Key Words: Lok Sabha, India, Credentials, Congress Party, Elections, 1962, Recruitment
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