The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday officially announced the schedule for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, confirming that polling will be conducted in two phases — on November 6 and November 11 — with counting of votes scheduled for November 14, 2025.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, revealed the timeline during a press conference held in New Delhi. The Commission stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth, free, and fair electoral process across the state.
According to the detailed schedule shared by the ECI, the notification for the first phase will be issued on October 11, with the last date for filing nominations on October 18. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 19, and the final date for withdrawal of candidature is October 21. The second phase notification will be released on October 16, with nominations closing on October 23, scrutiny on October 24, and withdrawal of candidature by October 26.
The first phase of polling will cover constituencies primarily in southern and western Bihar, while the second phase will include districts from central and northern parts of the state. The Commission has also announced enhanced deployment of security personnel in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful conduct of the elections.
“The Election Commission is committed to conducting a transparent and inclusive election. Special arrangements have been made for first-time voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities,” said Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar during the announcement.
With over 7 crore registered voters in Bihar, the 2025 elections are expected to witness intense political activity. Major parties, including the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Congress, are gearing up for a high-stakes contest. Political analysts believe that key issues such as employment, infrastructure, education, and law and order will dominate the campaign narrative.
In line with its commitment to transparency, the ECI has also emphasized the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in all polling stations. The Commission has urged voters to check their names in the updated electoral rolls, which have been revised ahead of the polls.
As Bihar braces for one of the most closely watched state elections, the political atmosphere is expected to heat up in the coming weeks. The results on November 14 will determine the direction of the state’s political landscape for the next five years.
