Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Key Dates, Phases & Schedule

The political temperature in Bihar is rising fast. As the end of 2025 approaches, millions of voters across Bihar’s 243 assembly constituencies are getting ready to decide who will rule the state for the next five years. Will Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stay in power with his NDA allies? Or will Tejashwi Yadav’s INDIA alliance (formerly Mahagathbandhan) succeed in its bid to form the government?

The Election Commission of India is already busy preparing for this massive democratic exercise. Based on the latest information from reliable sources, we now have a clearer picture of when the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 might take place. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the election dates, phases, and schedule in simple, easy-to-understand language.

What Are The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025?

The Bihar Assembly Elections are held every five years to elect 243 members (MLAs) to the Bihar Legislative Assembly. These elected representatives then form the state government. The party or alliance that wins at least 122 seats (the majority mark) gets to form the government and choose the Chief Minister.

The current Bihar Assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025, which means elections must be completed before that date. The last elections were held in October-November 2020, when the NDA formed the government with Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister.

Why are these elections important for you?

These elections directly affect your daily life in Bihar. The government you elect will make decisions about:

• Roads and transportation in your area
• Schools and colleges for your children
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Jobs and business opportunities
• Law and order in your neighborhood

Who are the main players in Bihar Elections 2025?

Two major alliances are competing for power:

1. NDA (National Democratic Alliance):
   • Janata Dal (United) led by Nitish Kumar
   • Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
   • Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) led by Chirag Paswan
   • Hindustani Awam Morcha led by Jitan Ram Manjhi
   • Rashtriya Lok Morcha led by Upendra Kushwaha
2. INDIA Alliance (formerly Mahagathbandhan):
   • Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) led by Tejashwi Yadav
   • Indian National Congress
   • Left parties including CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI, and CPI(M)
   • Potentially Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP)

Additionally, election strategist Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party plans to contest all 243 seats independently.

When Will The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Be Announced?

When will the Election Commission declare the dates?

According to multiple sources, including reports from Zee News and First Bihar, the Election Commission is likely to announce the Bihar Assembly election dates in the first week of September 2025. This follows the pattern of previous elections, where announcements were made on September 9, 2015, and September 25, 2020 (the 2020 announcement was delayed due to COVID-19).

The Election Commission has already begun preparations for the polls. As reported by India TV News on April 16, 2025, the Commission is training over 200 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from across Bihar to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

What happens when election dates are announced?

Once the Election Commission announces the election dates, several important things happen:

1. The Model Code of Conduct immediately comes into effect across Bihar
2. All government development work and new project announcements are paused
3. Political parties officially begin their election campaigns
4. The transfer of government officials is restricted
5. Candidates start filing their nomination papers

How Many Phases Will The Bihar Elections 2025 Have?

Why are elections held in phases?

Bihar is a large state with diverse regions and security challenges. Holding elections in phases helps the Election Commission:

• Deploy security forces effectively
• Move polling staff and equipment safely
• Ensure free and fair voting in all areas
• Manage the massive logistical operation better

How many phases are expected in 2025?

According to reports from multiple sources including Prabhat Khabar and Live Hindustan, the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are likely to be conducted in three phases, similar to the 2020 elections. This is a change from the 2015 elections, which were held in five phases.

Election officials have already started preparations for the three-phase polling schedule. The exact dates for each phase will be announced when the Election Commission makes its official declaration in September.

What Is The Expected Timeline For Bihar Elections 2025?

When will voting likely take place?

Based on previous election patterns and the current Assembly’s term ending on November 22, 2025, we can expect the following approximate timeline:

• First week of September 2025: Election announcement by the Election Commission
• Late October 2025: First phase of voting
• Early November 2025: Second phase of voting
• Mid-November 2025: Third phase of voting
• Mid to Late November 2025: Counting of votes and results

This timeline ensures that the new government can be formed before the current Assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025.

How does this compare to previous elections?

In 2020, the Bihar Assembly elections followed this schedule:

• September 25: Election announcement
• October 28: First phase (71 seats across 16 districts)
• November 3: Second phase (94 seats across 17 districts)
• November 7: Third phase (78 seats across 15 districts)
• November 10: Counting and results

The 2025 elections are expected to follow a similar pattern, though the exact dates will be confirmed by the Election Commission in September.

Which Districts Will Vote In Each Phase?

How are voting phases typically organized?

The Election Commission divides Bihar’s 38 districts into different phases based on several factors:

• Geographic proximity
• Security requirements
• Logistical considerations
• Historical voting patterns

What might the phase-wise distribution look like?

Based on the 2020 election pattern, we might expect a similar distribution in 2025:

First Phase (approximately 71 seats):

Districts like Banka, Bhagalpur, Munger, Lakhisarai, Shekhpura, Patna, Rohtas, Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, and Aurangabad.

Second Phase (approximately 94 seats):

Districts like West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, and Vaishali.

Third Phase (approximately 78 seats):

Districts like Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria, Begusarai, and Samastipur.

However, the final distribution will be decided by the Election Commission and may differ from the 2020 pattern.

How To Prepare For Voting In Bihar Elections 2025?

Check your voter registration status

The first and most important step is to make sure your name is on the voter list:

How to check voter list online:

1. Visit the Election Commission’s website (ceoelection.bihar.gov.in)
2. Enter your details like name, father’s name, and date of birth
3. Check if your name appears in the search results

How to check voter list offline:

1. Call the voter helpline at 1950
2. Check with your local Booth Level Officer (BLO)
3. Visit your nearest Common Service Center

According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar’s website, the Election Commission is currently updating voter lists and linking them with Aadhaar numbers to remove duplications.

Get your Voter ID card ready

If you already have a Voter ID card (EPIC):

• Check if it’s in good condition
• Keep it in a safe place
• Take it with you on voting day

If you don’t have a Voter ID card:

How to apply for a new Voter ID:

1. Apply online through the Election Commission website
2. Visit your nearest Voter Service Center
3. Contact your local BLO for assistance
4. Fill Form 6 for new voter registration

Stay informed about candidates and parties

Before you vote, learn about:

• The candidates in your constituency
• Their backgrounds and qualifications
• The promises and plans of different parties
• The track record of incumbents

What Challenges Might Affect The Bihar Elections 2025?

Weather conditions

Bihar sometimes faces flooding during the monsoon season, which can affect voter turnout and election logistics. By scheduling the elections in October-November, the Election Commission hopes to avoid major weather-related disruptions.

Security concerns

Ensuring peaceful elections across all 243 constituencies is always a challenge. The Election Commission deploys central forces along with state police to maintain law and order during the election period.

COVID-19 or other health concerns

While COVID-19 severely impacted the 2020 elections, requiring special protocols, the situation is different now. However, the Election Commission remains prepared to implement health safety measures if needed.

What New Features Might Be Seen In Bihar Elections 2025?

Digital initiatives

The Election Commission is increasingly using technology to improve the election process:

Online services for voters:

• Online nomination filing
• Digital voter slips
• Web-casting of polling stations
• Mobile apps for voter awareness
• Social media monitoring cells

Digital tools for election management:

• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
• Digital mapping of polling stations
• Online monitoring of poll proceedings
• Real-time voter turnout information

Focus on increasing voter turnout

The Election Commission has been conducting SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) workshops, as mentioned on the CEO Bihar website. A workshop was held on March 25, 2025, to plan strategies for increasing voter awareness and participation.

Special initiatives for voter education:

• Campus ambassador programs in colleges
• Voter awareness campaigns in rural areas
• Special drives for first-time voters
• Street plays and cultural programs

Enhanced accessibility

Efforts are being made to make elections more accessible to:

Facilities for special voters:

• Persons with disabilities
• Senior citizens
• Remote communities
• First-time voters

Accessibility measures:

• Ramps at polling stations
• Braille voter slips for visually impaired
• Priority voting for elderly and disabled
• Transport facilities in remote areas

Conclusion

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are set to be a crucial democratic exercise that will shape the state’s future for the next five years. Based on the latest information, we can expect the Election Commission to announce the election dates in the first week of September 2025, with voting likely to take place in three phases during October-November 2025.

As a voter, your participation is vital to the democratic process. Stay informed, check your voter registration, and be ready to cast your vote when the time comes. The power to choose Bihar’s next government is in your hands!

FAQs

When will Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 be held?

The elections are expected to be held in October-November 2025, with the Election Commission likely to announce the exact dates in the first week of September 2025.

How many phases will the Bihar Elections 2025 have?

According to sources, the elections will likely be conducted in three phases, similar to the 2020 elections.

When does the current Bihar Assembly’s term end?

The current Bihar Assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025, which means elections must be completed and results declared before that date.

Who are the main contenders in Bihar Elections 2025?

The main contest is expected to be between the NDA (led by JD(U) and BJP) and the INDIA Alliance (led by RJD and Congress). Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party is also contesting independently.

How can I check if my name is on the voter list?

You can check your voter registration status on the Election Commission’s website (ceoelection.bihar.gov.in), by calling the voter helpline at 1950, or by contacting your local Booth Level Officer.