New Delhi, 28 September 2026 — The formal election process for 28 Legislative Council seats across four states begins tomorrow, when the Election Commission of India (ECI) issues the notification.

Unlike Assembly or Lok Sabha polls, these seats are elected only by registered graduates and teachers, making them a barometer of opinion among educated voters and the teaching community. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in particular, parties treat these contests as an indicator of political mood.

Only six states — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh — have Legislative Councils. Members serve six-year terms, and about one-twelfth of each Council is elected from graduates' constituencies and another one-twelfth from teachers' constituencies.

Parties are expected to announce candidates ahead of the 6 October nomination deadline. Eligible voters should check that they are registered on the relevant graduates' or teachers' electoral roll.

For a detailed explainer, see our guide to Legislative Councils in India.

Source: Election Commission of India schedule as reported by India TV News (22 September 2026).