824 Seats, 5 States: ECI Outlines Timeline As 2026 Assembly Polls

The Election Commission of India is announcing the broad electoral timeline for five assemblies in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal . The terms are set to expire in 2026, setting the stage for an important round of state elections across different regions of the country.

According to the overview released by the Commission, 824 assembly constituencies across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will go to polls as the current legislative assemblies approach the end of their respective terms.

Among the five states, West Bengal has the largest assembly with 294 constituencies, followed by Tamil Nadu with 234 seats and Assam with 126 seats. Kerala has 140 constituencies, while the Union Territory of Puducherry has a 30-member assembly.

The terms of these assemblies will conclude in a staggered manner through May and June 2026. West Bengal's assembly term ends on May 7, 2026, making it the first among the five to complete its tenure. This is followed by Tamil Nadu on May 10, 2026, Assam on May 20, 2026, and Kerala on May 23, 2026. The Puducherry assembly will complete its term on June 15, 2026.

The data released by the Commission also provides a breakdown of constituencies by category. Out of the 824 total seats, a large share falls under the general category, while a significant number are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in accordance with constitutional provisions.

These elections are expected to carry major political significance, particularly in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where strong regional political formations dominate the electoral landscape.

With the constitutional timelines now clarified, political parties are set to begin preparations for what will be one of the most closely watched electoral cycles ahead of the 2026 political calendar.