Election Commission announces biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats in 10 states on 16 March
The Election Commission of India announced on 18 February 2026 biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states, with polling and counting on 16 March 2026.
Summary
The Election Commission of India announced on 18 February 2026 biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states, whose members' terms expire in April 2026. Notifications were to be issued on 26 February, with nominations closing on 5 March, polling from 9 am to 4 pm on 16 March and counting the same day at 5 pm. The seats are from Maharashtra (7), Tamil Nadu (6), West Bengal (5), Bihar (5), Odisha (4), Assam (3), Telangana (2), Chhattisgarh (2), Haryana (2) and Himachal Pradesh (1). Only the integrated violet sketch pen provided by the Returning Officer may be used to mark preferences. Static link: the Rajya Sabha is a permanent House not subject to dissolution; under Article 83(1), one-third of its members retire every second year, and a member's term is six years.
Key facts
- Announced
- 18 February 2026, by ECI
- Seats
- 37 seats from 10 states
- Poll and counting
- 16 March 2026
- Largest share
- Maharashtra (7), Tamil Nadu (6)
- Ballot marking
- Integrated violet sketch pen only
- Constitutional basis
- Article 83(1): permanent House; one-third retire every second year; six-year term
Practice MCQs 3 questions
How many Rajya Sabha seats were covered by the biennial elections announced by the Election Commission on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 37
The ECI announced biennial elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats from 10 states, with polling on 16 March 2026.
In the Rajya Sabha biennial elections of March 2026, which state had the largest number of seats falling vacant?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra had seven seats, followed by Tamil Nadu (six) and West Bengal and Bihar (five each).
Consider the following statements about the Rajya Sabha: 1. Under Article 83(1) of the Constitution, one-third of its members retire on the expiration of every second year. 2. In Rajya Sabha elections, electors may mark preferences with any pen of their choice. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Article 83(1) makes the Rajya Sabha a permanent House with one-third of members retiring every second year. The ECI directs that only the integrated violet sketch pen provided by the Returning Officer be used.