The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, the Council of States. A total of 37 seats across 10 states will go to polls on March 16, 2026, as the current members’ terms expire in April.
The Election Commission of India has announced biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats from 10 states.
Date of polls- 16 March 2026.
Counting of votes will take place on the same day as polling. pic.twitter.com/gv8njEFbgP— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2026
Election Timeline and Key Dates
According to the official timetable:
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Notification issued: February 26, 2026
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Last date for filing nominations: March 5
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Scrutiny of nominations: March 6
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Withdrawal of nominations: Till March 9
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Polling: March 16 (9 am to 4 pm)
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Counting of votes: March 16 at 5 pm
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Process completion: By March 20, 2026
The ECI has directed specific voting procedures, including the use of integrated violet colour sketch pens supplied by returning officers for marking ballot preferences.
Seats Falling Vacant Across States
The 37 seats becoming vacant belong to members from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. The elections are being held to fill these vacancies as per standard Rajya Sabha biennial cycles.
Parties Gear Up for Contest
Political parties in the 10 affected states are expected to begin internal deliberations and candidate selections in the coming weeks as the nomination window opens. Observers will be appointed to ensure a free and fair electoral process.