The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on October 6, 2025. Voting will be held in two phases: the first on November 6 and the second on November 11, with counting and results scheduled for November 14. This ensures the elections conclude before the current Assembly term ends on November 22.
All 243 constituencies will go to polls, including 38 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes.
Voter List Revision and Electoral Reforms for Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
During the press conference, the ECI highlighted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, conducted for the first time in 22 years. The process removed 3.66 lakh names—mostly deceased, duplicates, or shifted voters—and added 21.53 lakh new voters, which the commission described as “historic.” Citizens can still file objections or request inclusion of their names.
Seventeen major electoral reforms were also introduced. For the first time, colour photos of candidates will appear on EVMs, a mobile deposit facility will prevent misuse inside booths, and 100 percent webcasting will allow live monitoring. Accessibility improvements include ramps, wheelchairs, and basic amenities at all polling stations.
Voter Statistics and Registration for Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
Bihar’s electorate totals 7.42 crore voters, with approximately 3.92 crore male voters, 3.50 crore female voters, and around 14 lakh first-time voters. The state also includes 1,725 third-gender voters. Citizens must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2025, and possess an Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or alternative documents such as Aadhaar, passport, or driving license. Online registration and corrections are available through the National Voters’ Service Portal and the Voter Helpline app.
Major Parties Contesting Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
The election is expected to be closely fought between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) along with BJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Vikassheel Insaan Party, and the INDIA Bloc / Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress, and Left parties. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party will also contest, focusing on caste-neutral politics. Key election issues include caste dynamics, development, governance, and unemployment.
Voting Process and Security Measures in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
Voting will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. Candidate photos will now appear in colour, booth-level officers will carry identity cards, and mobile phones must be deposited outside polling booths. Central paramilitary forces and state police will maintain order, while general observers will monitor elections in each constituency.
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Accessibility measures include priority entry for women, home voting via postal ballots for seniors above 85 and persons with disabilities, and polling stations equipped with ramps, wheelchairs, and Braille-enabled EVMs. The ECI will also prevent voter intimidation and coercion.
Historical Context and Political Shifts in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections were closely contested. The NDA won 125 seats with 37.26 percent of votes, while the Mahagathbandhan secured 110 seats with 37.23 percent, a margin of just 11,150 votes. Since then, Nitish Kumar briefly allied with the RJD in 2022 before returning to the NDA in early 2024. The NDA now emphasizes development schemes, while the opposition highlights governance and unemployment issues.
Importance of Voter Participation in Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar emphasised transparency and inclusivity, stating: “In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, voters, political parties, and all stakeholders will have a transparent and inclusive process.” High voter turnout will be crucial in shaping governance and policy in Bihar, making these elections a pivotal moment in the state’s political future.
FAQs on Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
1. When will the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 be held?
The elections will be held in two phases: the first phase on November 6, 2025, and the second phase on November 11, 2025. Counting of votes and results will be declared on November 14, 2025.
2. How many assembly seats are there in Bihar, and how many are reserved?
Bihar has a total of 243 assembly seats. Out of these, 38 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 2 seats for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
3. Who are the major political parties contesting the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025?
The major contenders include the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by JD(U) and BJP, the INDIA Bloc/Mahagathbandhan led by RJD and Congress along with Left parties, and Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party focusing on caste-neutral politics.
4. What are the voter eligibility criteria for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025?
Citizens must be at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2025. They should possess an Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or alternative documents such as Aadhaar, passport, or driving license to vote.
5. What major electoral reforms have been introduced for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025?
Seventeen reforms have been introduced, including colour photos of candidates on EVMs, mobile deposit facilities at polling booths, 100 percent webcasting for transparency, and enhanced accessibility with ramps, wheelchairs, and Braille-enabled EVMs.
6. How has the voter list been updated for the Bihar Assembly Election 2025?
The Election Commission conducted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, deleting 3.66 lakh names and adding 21.53 lakh new voters. Citizens can still file objections or request inclusion of their names.
7. What security and monitoring measures are in place for Bihar Election Assembly 2025?
Central paramilitary forces and state police will maintain law and order. Additionally, 243 observers—one per constituency—will monitor the elections, and strict surveillance on social media will prevent misinformation. The commission has a zero-tolerance policy for violence or voter intimidation.
8. What provisions have been made for vulnerable voters for Bihar Assembly Election 2025?
Women will have priority entry and separate queues at polling stations. Senior citizens above 85 and persons with disabilities can vote from home via postal ballots. Polling stations are equipped with ramps, wheelchairs, and Braille-enabled EVMs to ensure accessibility.
