New Delhi l December 1, 2025 :
In a major step to strengthen electoral preparedness for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the deadline for submitting forms under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by seven days across all states and Union Territories. The new cutoff for enumeration is now December 11, 2025, with the draft electoral roll set for release on December 16, 2025, followed by the final roll on February 14, 2026.
Unlike the routine yearly update, this SIR marks a comprehensive overhaul of India’s voter database—aimed at adding new eligible voters, removing duplicate entries, and verifying millions of records. Election officials cited large-scale logistical challenges in validating entries as the primary reason for the extension, stressing the exercise’s necessity for maintaining electoral integrity.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the deadline extension, highlighting the crucial role of booth-level officers across states who are handling door-to-door verification and documentation.
The extension impacts more than 96 crore registered voters, with projections indicating the addition of 1–2 crore new voters. This exercise also complements broader electoral reforms, including the Aadhaar-linked verification system for more accurate identification and authentication.
The development comes amid concerns about voter participation, especially as recent bypolls—including the Delhi MCD elections—recorded a turnout of just 31.3%, raising alarms about electoral engagement.
Political reactions have been swift. Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, argue that strict timelines may risk excluding marginalized populations from the rolls. The government, however, maintains that the extension reflects proactive governance and commitment to inclusivity.
This voter roll revision process is considered critical as several states gear up for crucial assembly polls in 2026, ensuring that every eligible citizen is accounted for during the democratic exercise.
