In a direct election, citizens vote directly for the candidates they wish to elect. For example, elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Gram Panchayats, and Municipal Corporations are all direct elections. Here, the voters choose their representatives themselves through universal adult franchise.
In contrast, an indirect election is when elected representatives vote to choose a leader or representative. Examples of indirect elections in India include the election of the President, Vice President, and members of the Rajya Sabha. In these cases, Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) cast votes on behalf of the people.