New Delhi : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday directed a Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam, with the final list scheduled for publication on February 10, 2026. The revision will use January 1, 2026 as the qualifying date for enrolment.

According to the guidelines issued to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, the Special Revision is designed as an intermediate exercise-positioned between the annual Special Summary Revision and the more exhaustive Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

A senior EC functionary explained that the process is “an upgrade” of the summary revision. Instead of collecting enumeration forms afresh, booth-level officers will verify existing electors using pre-filled registers, streamlining the verification process.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the Commission’s decision, calling it a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accuracy in the state’s voter database.

“The Government of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of India’s decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral roll with 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date… Assam will extend full cooperation to the @ECISVEEP to complete the revision in a transparent and time-bound manner,” he wrote on a micro-blogging platform.

The Election Commission had last month announced a nationwide Special Intensive Revision across several states and Union Territories-including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Assam, however, was excluded at the time, prompting questions given that Assembly elections are due in the state in 2026.

The Commission later clarified that the omission was due to Assam’s unique legal and procedural framework, which differs from the rest of the country. The state operates under Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, a provision derived from the 1985 Assam Accord that governs the citizenship status of individuals who entered the state between 1966 and 1971.

Additionally, the Supreme Court-monitored National Register of Citizens (NRC) process continues to influence the timing and method of electoral roll revision in Assam, necessitating separate instructions from the ECI.

The Special Revision is expected to play a crucial role in preparing the state for its 2026 Assembly polls by ensuring clean, updated and legally sound electoral rolls.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally