The biennial exercise will see vacancies across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Bihar, with nominations opening on February 26 and polling scheduled for a single day.
The Election Commission has announced biennial Rajya Sabha elections for 37 seats across 10 states, with polling scheduled for March 16, 2026. | Photo: IANS
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday announced biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats from 10 states, with polling scheduled for March 16, 2026. Counting of votes will take place on the same day, shortly after voting concludes.
The elections are being held as the term of 37 sitting members is set to expire in April 2026. The move sets in motion the process for reconstitution of the Upper House from states including Tamil Nadu, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Maharashtra, and Telangana, among others.
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According to the Commission’s press note dated February 18, notifications will be issued on February 26. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, followed by scrutiny on March 6. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 9.
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Polling will be held on March 16 between 9 am and 4 pm. Counting of votes will begin at 5 pm the same day. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by March 20.
The Commission has directed that only integrated violet colour sketch pens of pre-fixed specification, provided by the Returning Officer, will be used for marking preferences on ballot papers.
The 37 seats are spread across 10 states. Maharashtra accounts for seven vacancies, while Odisha and Tamil Nadu have multiple members retiring. West Bengal, Assam and Bihar are also among the states where seats are falling vacant.
Other states where members are due to retire include Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana.
The Commission said adequate measures will be taken to closely monitor the election process by appointing observers to ensure a free and fair poll.
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