The Election Commission of India announced the Assembly election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. The schedule concerns four States and one Union Territory, so it is relevant for both national current affairs and the Indian Constitution and governance syllabus. As announced, polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry is scheduled for April 9, 2026. Tamil Nadu and Phase 1 of West Bengal are scheduled to vote on April 23, 2026, while Phase 2 of West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, 2026. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

For exam preparation, the important point is not only the date list but also the role of the Election Commission. Article 324 links the superintendence, direction and control of elections with the Election Commission. This makes the update useful for prelims-style factual questions on polling dates, counting dates and the election calendar. West Bengal being listed in two phases is a separate recall point, because Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry each have one polling date in this schedule.

As a static-GK linkage, the topic connects with the Election Commission, the electoral process, counting of votes, State Legislative Assemblies and governance in a Union Territory. In mains answers, it can be used as a concise example for election management, fair elections, administrative preparedness and the role of constitutional institutions. For both RAS and UPSC, the update sits between current affairs and polity.