In 2026, India is scheduled to hold Legislative Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, along with significant Rajya Sabha (Upper House) elections and major local body polls. 

State Legislative Assembly Elections

These elections are primarily expected to take place in the first half of 2026, as the current terms for these assemblies end between May and June 2026. 

Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Elections 

A routine election cycle will occur to fill approximately 72 to 75 seats in the Rajya Sabha as members complete their six-year terms. 

• Key States Involved: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• Notable Leaders Retiring: Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharad Pawar, and H.D. Deve Gowda are among those whose terms end in 2026. 

Local Body and Municipal Elections

Several major cities are slated to hold urban local body (ULB) polls in 2026, many of which were previously delayed. 

• Maharashtra: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal corporation elections (Thane, Pune, Nagpur) are targeted for completion by mid-January 2026.
• Karnataka: Elections for the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and other urban local bodies are expected within the year.
• West Bengal: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation election is scheduled for late 2026.
• Panchayat Elections: Local village-level elections are due in states like Andhra Pradesh (February), Himachal Pradesh (January), and Uttar Pradesh (April). 

Important Voter Updates

The Election Commission of India is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls starting in late 2025 to ensure voter lists are accurate for the 2026 polls. Residents in polling states should verify their status on the National Voters’ Service Portal.