ECI bans exit polls for Bihar elections from 7 am on 6 November to 6:30 pm on 11 November
The Election Commission of India said on 26 October 2025 that exit polls for the Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections are banned from 7 am on 6 November to 6:30 pm on 11 November 2025, and reminded media of the 48-hour silence period.
Summary
On 26 October 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) notified that conducting exit polls and publishing their results for the Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections is prohibited from 7:00 am on 6 November 2025 to 6:30 pm on 11 November 2025, under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Bihar votes in two phases, on 6 and 11 November 2025. The Commission also reminded TV, radio and cable channels that Section 126(1)(b) bars displaying election matter in a polling area during the 48 hours ending with the close of polls (the silence period). A violation of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
Key facts
- Notified
- 26 Oct 2025, ECI
- Polling
- Bihar: two phases, 6 & 11 Nov 2025
- Exit poll ban
- 7:00 am, 6 Nov to 6:30 pm, 11 Nov 2025 (Section 126A, RP Act 1951)
- Silence period
- 48 hours ending with close of poll (Section 126(1)(b))
- Penalty
- Up to 2 years' imprisonment, fine, or both
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under which section of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 did the ECI prohibit exit polls for the Bihar elections from 6 to 11 November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Section 126A
PIB: the Commission notified the exit poll prohibition under Section 126A of the RP Act, 1951.
What is the length of the 'silence period' under Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 48 hours
PIB: Section 126(1)(b) prohibits displaying election matter during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of the poll.
A violation of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (silence period) is punishable with imprisonment of up to:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Two years
PIB: violation of Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951 is punishable with imprisonment up to two years, or with fine, or both.