ECI Announces Rajya Sabha Poll Schedule for 37 Seats; Four From Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha, with polling to be held for 37 vacant seats across 10 states, including four from Odisha.

The vacancies have arisen due to the impending retirement of members whose terms are set to expire in April 2026. In a press note issued on February 18, 2026, the Commission stated that the elections will be conducted as per the established procedure.

According to the official timetable, the notification for the polls will be issued on February 26, 2026. The last date for filing nominations is March 5, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on March 6. Candidates may withdraw their candidature until March 9.

If necessary, polling will be conducted on March 16, 2026, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Counting of votes will begin at 5:00 pm on the same day. The entire election process is scheduled to be completed by March 20, 2026.

Four seats from Odisha will be filled in this round of biennial elections.