Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Nominations Close Today for Seats Falling Vacant in November
October 6, 2026: Today is the last date for filing nominations in the third round of 2026 Rajya Sabha elections, notified on September 29. The round covers seats of members whose terms end on November 25, 2026, including seats from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, according to the published election schedule.
Schedule
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | September 29, 2026 |
| Last date for nominations | October 6, 2026 |
| Scrutiny | October 7, 2026 |
| Last date for withdrawal | October 9, 2026 |
| Poll (if necessary) and counting | October 16, 2026 |
If the number of candidates equals the number of seats after withdrawals, candidates are declared elected unopposed on October 9, and no poll is needed.
Earlier Rounds in 2026
The Rajya Sabha holds biennial elections as roughly one-third of members retire every two years. In 2026, rounds were held in March and June, and this third round completes elections for 72 of the House's 245 seats between March and November.
How Rajya Sabha Members Are Elected
- Members from each state are elected by the elected MLAs of that state's Legislative Assembly.
- Voting uses proportional representation by single transferable vote.
- Since a 2003 amendment, Rajya Sabha elections use an open ballot: party MLAs must show their marked ballot to their party's authorised agent.
- A candidate needs a quota calculated as: (total valid votes ÷ (seats to be filled + 1)) + 1.
The Composition of the Rajya Sabha
- Maximum strength of 250; currently 245.
- 233 members elected by state and union territory legislatures.
- 12 members nominated by the President for expertise in literature, science, art and social service.
- Members serve six-year terms; the House is permanent and is never dissolved.
Why It Matters
The party balance in the Rajya Sabha determines how easily the government can pass legislation, especially constitutional amendments, which need a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses. Uttar Pradesh, with the largest assembly, sends the most members to the Rajya Sabha, so its results carry significant weight.
FAQ
Who votes in Rajya Sabha elections?
Elected members of state Legislative Assemblies, and of the Delhi and Puducherry assemblies for their seats.
Is voting secret in Rajya Sabha elections?
No. Since 2003, an open ballot system applies for party MLAs.