Bihar Assembly Elections Set for November 2025 with Voter ID Options

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, which will take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, 2025. The results are expected to be declared on November 14, 2025, coinciding with bypoll results in eight Assembly constituencies across various states, including Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab.

During a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that elections will be conducted for all 243 Assembly seats in Bihar. This follows the current Assembly’s term, which concludes on November 22, 2025. Notably, of the total seats, 38 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes.

The ECI has introduced provisions for citizens without a Voter ID card to participate in the elections. According to the commission, individuals can still vote by presenting one of twelve alternative photo identity documents. These approved documents include a passport, driving license, PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank or post office passbook with a photo, MNREGA job card, and pension documents featuring a photograph. Official identification cards issued to government employees and members of Parliament or legislative assemblies will also be accepted.

Despite these provisions, the ECI has made it clear that photo voter slips will not be considered valid identification on their own. This clarification aims to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

With the election dates fast approaching, the ECI encourages all eligible voters to familiarize themselves with the voting process and ensure they have the necessary identification ready for the polls. The upcoming elections are expected to be a significant event in Bihar’s political landscape, shaping the future governance of the state.