Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Name of Issuer: Vanguard Index Funds

In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of the above-named issuer that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.

Date: August 12, 2009

/s/ F. WILLIAM MCNABB III

F. WILLIAM MCNABB III

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Name of Issuer: Vanguard Index Funds

In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of the above-named issuer that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies, to his knowledge, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.

Date: August 12, 2009

/s/ THOMAS J. HIGGINS

THOMAS J. HIGGINS

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER