Bhubaneswar, Feb 18: The Election Commission of India on Wednesday announced the schedule for biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha to fill 37 vacant seats across 10 states, including four seats from Odisha. These vacancies have arisen due to the retirement of sitting members whose terms will conclude in April 2026.

In an official press note issued on February 18, 2026, the Commission stated that the elections will be conducted as per the established electoral procedure to ensure timely filling of the retiring members’ seats.

As per the notified timetable, the formal notification for the polls will be issued on February 26, 2026. The last date for filing nominations has been set for March 5, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on March 6. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations until March 9.

If contests arise, polling will be held on March 16, 2026, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Counting of votes will commence at 5:00 pm the same day, and the entire election process is scheduled to be completed by March 20, 2026.

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