Published: 14 March 2026PIB / UNI India / Deccan Herald / ECIGovernance
Election Commission Announces 2026 Assembly Election Schedule for Four States and Puducherry
AQuick answer
On March 15, 2026, the Election Commission announced elections for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry (April 9), Tamil Nadu (April 23) and West Bengal (April 23 & 29), with counting on May 4, covering 824 seats and 17.4 crore voters.
On March 15, 2026, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the schedule for General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. A total of 824 assembly constituencies and approximately 17.4 crore voters are covered under the announcement.
Polling will be held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on April 9, 2026. West Bengal will have two phases of polling on April 23 and April 29, 2026. Counting of votes across all regions will take place on May 4, 2026.
The announcement holds significant constitutional importance as the Model Code of Conduct came into force immediately with the schedule announcement. For Rajasthan, this election is particularly significant because Rajasthan shares key migrant labour demographics with West Bengal, and policy outcomes in these states influence the national political landscape for the upcoming 2028 general elections. The Election Commission also launched an extensive voter awareness drive 'SVEEP' (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) targeting first-time voters.
0Mains angle
Q: The Election Commission on 15 March 2026 announced Assembly elections for five units. Discuss the schedule and constitutional significance.
Answer (50 words):
On 15 March 2026 CEC Gyanesh Kumar announced Assembly polls for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, covering 824 constituencies and 17.4 crore voters. Single-phase polling 9 April 2026 in four units; West Bengal votes on 23 and 29 April; counting 4 May. Model Code of Conduct took immediate effect.
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Linked questionMedium
Which Chief Election Commissioner announced the 2026 Assembly Election schedule for four states and Puducherry on March 15, 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer AChief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the schedule on March 15, 2026 for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry, covering 824 constituencies.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Election Commission announce the 2026 assembly election schedule and for which states?
The Election Commission of India announced the 2026 assembly election schedule on March 15, 2026, for five states — Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal — and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Model Code of Conduct came into force immediately upon the announcement.
How many phases will voting occur in during the 2026 assembly elections and on what dates?
Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026, while West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026. Vote counting for all constituencies is scheduled for May 4, 2026.
How many assembly seats and registered voters are covered in the 2026 state elections?
The 2026 assembly elections cover a total of 824 assembly seats and approximately 17.4 crore (174 million) registered voters across five states and Puducherry.
What is the constitutional status of Puducherry and how many elected seats does its assembly have?
Puducherry is a Union Territory with a legislature (not a full state), and its assembly has 30 elected seats. Elections in Puducherry are conducted by the Election Commission of India, just like state elections.
