The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the Rajya Sabha Elections 2026, with polling for 37 seats across 10 states set to take place on March 16, 2026.
These 37 seats in the Rajya Sabha will fall vacant in April 2026 due to the retirement of sitting members. The elections are part of the biennial cycle through which members of the 245-member Upper House are elected. Out of the total strength, 233 members are elected by state legislative assemblies, while the rest are nominated.
🗓 Key Dates for Rajya Sabha Elections 2026:
- Notification Date: February 26, 2026
- Last Date for Nominations: March 5, 2026
- Scrutiny of Nominations: March 6, 2026
- Last Date for Withdrawal: March 9, 2026
- Polling Date: March 16, 2026 (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Counting of Votes: March 16, 2026 (5:00 PM onwards)
- Completion of Election Process: March 20, 2026
The Election Commission has already directed Chief Electoral Officers in the concerned states to appoint Returning Officers to conduct the elections.
📍 State-Wise Breakdown of 37 Seats:
- Maharashtra – 7 seats
- Tamil Nadu – 6 seats
- Bihar – 6 seats
- West Bengal – 5 seats
- Odisha – 4 seats
- Assam – 3 seats
- Telangana – 2 seats
- Chhattisgarh – 2 seats
- Haryana – 2 seats
- Himachal Pradesh – 1 seat
In Maharashtra, where the Legislative Assembly has 288 members, a candidate requires 37 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat, making the contest potentially intense. Prominent leaders like Sharad Pawar may also be in the fray, adding further political significance to the elections.
Since Rajya Sabha members are elected by MLAs through proportional representation, the strength of political parties in respective state assemblies will play a decisive role in the outcome.
The upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections 2026 are expected to significantly influence the political landscape ahead of key legislative developments in the country.
