ECI: penultimate EVM counting round only after postal ballots are counted
The Election Commission of India decided on 25 September 2025 that the penultimate round of EVM/VVPAT counting will be taken up only after postal ballot counting is completed, as its 30th electoral reform initiative in six months.
Summary
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on 25 September 2025 that, henceforth, the penultimate (second-last) round of EVM/VVPAT counting at a counting centre will be taken up only after the counting of postal ballot papers there is completed. On counting day, postal ballot counting starts at 8:00 AM and EVM counting at 8:30 AM; earlier, EVM counting could finish before postal ballot counting. The number of postal ballots has risen because of home voting for persons with disabilities and senior citizens aged 85 and above. The ECI also directed Returning Officers to provide enough tables and staff where postal ballots are numerous. The ECI described the step as its 30th initiative in the past six months to streamline elections.
Key facts
- Announced
- 25 Sep 2025, Election Commission of India
- New rule
- Penultimate EVM/VVPAT round only after postal ballot counting ends
- Counting start times
- Postal ballots 8:00 AM; EVMs 8:30 AM
- Reason
- More postal ballots due to home voting for PwDs and 85+ voters
- Count
- 30th initiative in six months
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Under the ECI decision of 25 September 2025, which round of EVM/VVPAT counting can be taken up only after postal ballot counting is completed?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — The penultimate (second-last) round
The penultimate round of EVM/VVPAT counting will be taken up only after postal ballot counting is completed at that centre.
At what time does EVM counting start on counting day, according to the ECI?
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Correct answer: D — 8:30 AM
Postal ballot counting starts at 8:00 AM and EVM counting at 8:30 AM.
Consider the following statements about the ECI's postal ballot counting decision of September 2025: 1. The ECI described it as its 30th initiative in six months. 2. The ECI cited a fall in the number of postal ballots as the reason. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: postal ballots have increased substantially because of home voting for PwDs and voters aged 85+.