ECI introduces QR code-based photo ID cards for entry into counting centres
The Election Commission of India on 30 April 2026 introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET for counting centres, starting with the 4 May 2026 counting for five Assembly elections and seven bye-elections.
Summary
The Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET on 30 April 2026 to keep unauthorised persons out of counting centres. The system starts with the counting on 4 May 2026 for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and the bye-elections in 7 Assembly constituencies of 5 states, and will be extended to all future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Under a three-tier mechanism, Returning Officer-issued cards are checked manually at the first two tiers, and entry at the third, innermost cordon near the counting hall is allowed only after QR code scanning.
Key facts
- Module
- QR code-based Photo Identity Card on ECINET
- First used
- Counting on 4 May 2026 (AS, KL, TN, WB, PY + 7 bye-poll ACs)
- Security
- Three tiers; QR scan at third (innermost) cordon
- Covers
- ROs, AROs, counting staff, candidates, election and counting agents, etc.
- Media
- Entry on ECI authority letters; media centre near counting halls
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Under the ECI's three-tier security mechanism for counting centres introduced on 30 April 2026, at which point is QR code scanning mandatory for entry?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — At the third, innermost cordon near the counting hall
Photo ID cards issued by the RO are checked manually at the first and second tiers; entry at the third and innermost cordon near the counting hall is permitted only after QR code verification.
On which ECI platform was the QR code-based Photo Identity Card module for counting centres introduced in April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ECINET
The Election Commission introduced the QR code-based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET.