NationalWednesday, 23 September 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
Election Commission schedules Rajya Sabha bypolls for 12 seats on 16 October 2026
The Election Commission has announced bypolls on 16 October 2026 for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 16 October 2026, the Election Commission of India will hold elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats, including 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, 1 from Uttarakhand and 1 bypoll in West Bengal.
Key specifics
- Uttar Pradesh accounts for 10 of the 12 Rajya Sabha vacancies announced for 16 October 2026.
- Uttarakhand has 1 Rajya Sabha seat going to election on the same date.
- West Bengal has 1 vacant Rajya Sabha seat for the bypoll.
- Voting will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., according to the Election Commission.
- Counting will begin at 5:00 p.m. on 16 October 2026 and results will be declared the same day.
Exam lens
Question type: Parliament and elections, Rajya Sabha bypolls, state-wise seat distribution, polling and counting timings. TNPSC may ask which states have vacancies, how many seats are involved, and when the results will be announced.