ECI to Begin Second Phase of Electoral Roll Revision in 12 States and UTs from November 4

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the launch of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories (UTs) beginning November 4, with the final lists scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar made the announcement during a press briefing in New Delhi.

States and UTs Covered Under the Revision

The comprehensive one-month revision will include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Notably, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry are due for Assembly elections in 2026. Assam, which will also go to polls the same year, has been excluded owing to distinct citizenship and voter registration rules applicable in the state.

Schedule and Procedure for Revision

According to the ECI timeline, training and preparatory work will occur from October 28 to November 3, followed by enumeration between November 4 and December 4. Draft rolls will be released on December 12, with the window for claims and objections open from December 9 to January 8, 2026. Verification and hearings will take place until early February, culminating in the publication of final electoral rolls on February 7, 2026. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will distribute Unique Enumeration Forms, and electors listed in or linked to the 2003 rolls need not provide fresh documentation.

Aadhaar and Document Verification Clarified

In line with the Supreme Court’s September 9 ruling, the Commission has recognised Aadhaar as one of 12 indicative identity documents for verification, though not as proof of citizenship or domicile. CEC Kumar clarified that Aadhaar may be used for identification and e-signing but not for validating age or nationality. The ECI has also made archived voter rolls from 2002–2004 available online for self-verification.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Final electoral rolls for the 12 States and UTs will be published on February 7, 2026.
• Aadhaar is accepted only as an identity proof, not as proof of citizenship or age.
• The voter list will be frozen at midnight on October 27, 2025, before enumeration begins.
• ECI will cap voters per polling station at 1,200 to improve accessibility.

Procedural Improvements and Accessibility Measures

Learning from the Bihar revision exercise, the ECI has introduced measures such as up to three household visits by BLOs to ensure accuracy and linkage of voter data. Voters can now also submit forms online. To reduce congestion and improve access, the Commission plans to establish new polling stations in gated communities, high-rise apartments, and slum clusters. Appeals against Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) decisions can be made before District Magistrates and State Chief Electoral Officers within 15 days.