The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. If you are a resident of West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, or Lakshadweep, and you missed the earlier chance to register or correct your voter details, the new deadline is January 19, 2026.
This decision comes just days before the country celebrates National Voters’ Day on January 25, aiming to ensure no eligible citizen is left behind before the crucial 2026 Assembly Elections.
Here is a detailed report on the new schedule, the Supreme Court’s latest observation on ECI powers, and how you can update your voter ID online.
ECI Voter List Revision 2026: Key Updates
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a massive exercise undertaken to clean up the voter lists—removing duplicate names, deleting deceased voters, and adding new eligible youth (18+ years).
- New Deadline: The last date to file “Claims and Objections” has been pushed to January 19, 2026.
- Why the Extension? The Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of these specific states requested more time to ensure maximum coverage, especially in West Bengal and Puducherry, which are heading for assembly polls soon.
- What Can You Do? Until Jan 19, you can:
- Fill Form 6 for new registration.
- Fill Form 8 for corrections (Name, Address, Photo).
- Check if your name was accidentally deleted.
Supreme Court & ECI: The Citizenship Debate
In a parallel development on January 15, 2026, the Election Commission made a significant submission to the Supreme Court regarding its powers.
- The Issue: Petitions challenged the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision process, questioning how the commission verifies citizenship.
- ECI’s Stance: The commission clarified that its power is limited to voter registration.
- It can determine if a person is a citizen for the purpose of voting.
- It cannot deport anyone or decide on visa/citizenship status for other legal purposes.
- Why it Matters: This clarification is crucial for states like West Bengal and Assam, where voter list revisions often spark debates around citizenship and the CAA/NRC context.
Upcoming Assembly Elections 2026
The year 2026 is politically significant. The current revision of rolls is the first step towards the Legislative Assembly Elections in:
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Assam
- Puducherry
The final publication of the electoral rolls for these states is expected in February 2026, after the current claims are disposed of.
How to Check Your Name & Apply Online
You do not need to visit a government office. The ECI has made the process fully digital.
- Visit the Portal: Go to the official voters’ service portal at
voters.eci.gov.in. - Search Your Name: Click on “Search in Electoral Roll” and enter your details (Name, State, Age) or your EPIC (Voter ID) Number.
- Apply for Changes:
- If your name is missing, click on Form 6 (New Registration).
- If there is a spelling mistake, click on Form 8 (Correction).
- Track Status: Use the reference ID provided to track your application status online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the new deadline for voter list revision in West Bengal?
The Election Commission has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections in West Bengal (and 4 other states) to January 19, 2026.
Q: Can I apply for a new Voter ID card online in 2026?
Yes. You can apply online via the Voter Helpline App or the official website voters.eci.gov.in by filling out Form 6.
Q: When is National Voters’ Day celebrated?
National Voters’ Day is celebrated on January 25 every year to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
Q: Is the 2026 Voter List final?
The current list is a “Draft” or under revision. The Final Electoral Roll 2026 will be published in February 2026 after all claims and objections (submitted by Jan 19) are processed.
Q: Which states are having elections in 2026?
Major assembly elections are scheduled for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry in mid-2026 (likely April-May).