Legislative Council polls for 28 graduates' and teachers' seats in 4 states on 23 October

The Election Commission of India on 22 September 2026 announced biennial elections to 28 seats in the Legislative Councils of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Karnataka. All the seats are from graduates' and teachers' constituencies, where only registered graduates or teachers can vote. The sitting members retire in November and December 2026.

Seats by state

Schedule

Who votes in these elections

Under Article 171 of the Constitution, one-twelfth of the members of a state's Legislative Council are elected by registered graduates of at least three years' standing living in the state, and another one-twelfth by teachers who have taught for at least three years in schools of secondary level or above. Voters in these constituencies are enrolled on separate electoral rolls, not the general voter list. Ballots use preferential voting, so voters mark candidates in order of preference.

In Maharashtra, the seats going to the polls include graduates' constituencies such as Pune and Nagpur. In Uttar Pradesh, retiring members include Awanish Kumar Singh and Ashutosh Sinha (graduates') and Umesh Dwivedi and Dhruv Kumar Tripathi (teachers'), among others.

What eligible voters should do

Registered graduates and teachers should check that their names are on the electoral roll of their council constituency and carry an approved identity document on polling day. Results will be declared after counting on 27 October.