New Delhi, February 18: The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill 37 seats falling vacant in April 2026. The seats are spread across 10 states, and polling will take place on March 16, 2026.
Key Dates for Rajya Sabha Elections 2026
According to the schedule released by the Commission, the notification for the elections will be issued on February 26, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on March 6.
Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until March 9. Polling will be conducted on March 16 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, followed by counting of votes at 5:00 pm on the same day.
States and Seats Going to Poll
The 37 seats becoming vacant represent members elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Telangana.
Several prominent members are set to retire in April 2026. Maharashtra alone accounts for seven retiring members, while Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will each see multiple vacancies. Assam and Bihar are among other states with significant representation in this cycle.
The vacancies arise as part of the Rajya Sabha’s biennial retirement system, under which one-third of the members retire every two years, ensuring continuity in the Upper House.
Strict Voting Protocols
The Election Commission has laid down clear guidelines for the voting process. Only integrated violet-colour sketch pens of a pre-fixed specification, supplied by the Returning Officer, will be permitted for marking preferences on the ballot paper.
The Commission has categorically stated that no other pen will be allowed for marking preferences. This measure is aimed at maintaining uniformity and preventing invalidation of ballots due to improper marking.
Additionally, observers will be appointed to ensure close monitoring of the electoral process and uphold free and fair elections.
Importance of Biennial Rajya Sabha Elections
The Rajya Sabha plays a crucial role in India’s parliamentary democracy by representing the interests of states in the legislative process. Unlike the Lok Sabha, it is not subject to dissolution, and its staggered retirement system ensures institutional continuity.
Members of the Rajya Sabha are elected by elected Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through a system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
The upcoming elections will influence the numerical strength of various political parties in the Upper House, potentially impacting the legislative agenda at the national level.
Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
The Commission has reiterated its commitment to conducting the elections in a transparent and impartial manner. Appointment of observers and adherence to procedural safeguards are central to this objective.
With the announcement of the schedule, political parties are expected to begin internal consultations to finalise their candidates for the 37 Rajya Sabha seats.
