NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections across four states and one Union Territory. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that 17.4 crore voters will cast their ballots across 2.19 lakh polling stations.
With the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has immediately come into effect, and the Commission has launched the ECINET mobile app to provide real-time information to voters.
State-Wise Polling Schedule
| State/UT | Total Seats | Polling Date(s) | No. of Phases |
| Kerala | 140 | April 9 | Single Phase |
| Assam | 126 | April 9 | Single Phase |
| Puducherry | 30 | April 9 | Single Phase |
| Tamil Nadu | 234 | April 20 | Single Phase |
| West Bengal | 294 | April 23 & April 29 | Two Phases |
Important Statutory Dates
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For Assam, Kerala & Puducherry:
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Notification Date: March 16
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Last Date for Nominations: March 23
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Withdrawal of Candidatures: March 26
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For Tamil Nadu:
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Notification Date: March 30
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Last Date for Nominations: April 6
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Withdrawal of Candidatures: April 9
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Key Highlights of the 2026 Polls
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Result Date: Votes for all five regions will be counted on May 4, 2026.
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West Bengal Shift: Moving away from the long 8-phase schedule of 2021, the ECI has condensed the West Bengal polls into just two phases, citing improved efficiency and logistical convenience.
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Security & Transparency: CEC Gyanesh Kumar defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and announced 30 new initiatives to ensure absolute transparency and prevent political violence, particularly in sensitive zones.
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Bye-Elections: Alongside these assembly polls, the Commission will conduct eight bye-elections in various other states.
