The Election Commission of India (ECI) released the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on December 16, 2025, following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The draft list is expected to include around 7.6 crore voters, but a significant development has emerged: more than 58 lakh voter names have been identified for deletion from the state’s electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the SIR process, check your name in the West Bengal voter list, and take necessary action if your name is missing from the draft electoral roll.
What is SIR (Special Intensive Revision)?
The Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive exercise conducted by the Election Commission to clean up and update voter lists by removing duplicate entries, deceased voters, and those who have shifted permanently from their registered addresses. The SIR exercise in West Bengal began on November 4, 2025, and concluded on December 11, 2025.
According to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the ECI initiated this exercise after receiving repeated complaints from political parties about discrepancies in electoral rolls, including duplicate registrations. This revision is particularly crucial for West Bengal as it establishes the voter base for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.
Key Details About West Bengal SIR Draft Voter List 2025
Draft List Publication Date
The draft electoral roll was published on December 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM on multiple platforms including:
- CEO West Bengal official website (ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in)
- ECI voter portal (voters.eci.gov.in)
- Electoral Search portal (electoralsearch.eci.gov.in)
- ECINET mobile application
Scale of Deletions: 58 Lakh Names Removed
A total of 58,20,898 entries have been flagged for deletion from the electoral rolls. The names have been deleted on various grounds:
Reasons for Deletion:
- Deceased Voters: 24,16,852 voters have been identified as deceased
- Permanently Shifted: Voters who have moved out of their registered addresses
- Untraceable: Approximately 12.14 lakh voters could not be traced at their registered locations
- Duplicate Entries: Voters registered in multiple constituencies
- Uncollectable Forms: Around 58 lakh enumeration forms have been marked as ‘uncollectable’
What Happens to No-Mapping Voters?
Over 30 lakh voters have been placed in a “no-mapping” category because their names could not be linked with the 2002 electoral rolls. These voters will be called for hearings starting from December 17, 2025, where they must establish their eligibility for inclusion in the electoral roll.
How to Check Your Name in West Bengal Voter List 2025
Method 1: Check Online via CEO West Bengal Website
Step 1: Visit the official website: ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/Electors
Step 2: Navigate to the “Download E-Roll” or “Electoral Roll” section
Step 3: Select your district from the 21 districts listed (Cooch Behar to Birbhum)
Step 4: Choose your Assembly Constituency (AC)
Step 5: Select “Final Roll 2025” or “Draft Roll 2026” from the Roll Type dropdown
Step 6: Enter the Captcha code displayed
Step 7: Download the PDF and search for your name using Ctrl+F (search function)
Method 2: Check via ECI Voter Portal
Step 1: Go to voters.eci.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Search Your Name in Electoral Roll”
Step 3: Enter your details:
- EPIC Number (Voter ID Number)
- Name
- Father’s/Mother’s Name
- Age/Date of Birth
- State: West Bengal
- District and Assembly Constituency
Step 4: Submit and view your voter details
Method 3: Electoral Search Portal
Visit electoralsearch.eci.gov.in and follow similar steps as above to search for your name by entering your personal details or EPIC number.
Method 4: ECINET Mobile App
Download the ECINET app (available on Android and iOS) and search for your name using your voter ID or personal details.
Method 5: Voter Helpline App
The Voter Helpline app allows you to check your registration status, download your e-EPIC, and verify voter details on your mobile device.
How to Check Deleted Voter List
If you suspect your name may have been deleted, you can check the list of deleted voters at:
Website: ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/asd_sir
This portal specifically lists voters whose names appeared in the 2025 electoral rolls but have been deleted from the draft 2026 rolls, along with reasons for deletion.
What to Do If Your Name is Missing?
If your name is not in the draft voter list or has been deleted, don’t panic. The Election Commission has established a process for claims and objections.
Claims and Objections Period
Duration: December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026
Action Required: Submit your claim using Form 6 along with the Declaration Form and supporting documents
Where to Submit Claims
You can file complaints or corrections at:
- Block Development Officer (BDO) office
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office
- District Magistrate (DM) office
- Through the online portal at voters.eci.gov.in
Documents Required for Hearings
If you’re called for a hearing to establish your eligibility, you’ll need to provide acceptable documents that prove:
- Identity
- Age (must be 18 years or above as of qualifying date)
- Residence
- Indian citizenship
Accepted Documents:
- Government identity card or pension card
- Identity card as state/central government employee or pension holder
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving license
- Education certificates (school/college marksheets)
- Land or housing documents
- Bank passbook or post office savings account book
- Other documents issued before 1987 by recognized authorities
Important: Documents should preferably be issued before 1987 by recognized bodies such as banks, post offices, or local authorities for establishing long-term residency.
Final Voter List Publication Date
After completing all hearings and verification processes, the final voter list will be published on February 14, 2026.
This final list will be used for the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled for April-May 2026.
Political Context and Controversy
The SIR exercise has been politically contentious in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and opposition parties, including the TMC, CPI(M), and Congress, opposed what they termed a “hurried” exercise. Reports emerged of booth-level officer deaths allegedly due to work pressure, drawing criticism toward the Election Commission.
Concerns were also raised about potential exclusion of Hindu and Muslim minority immigrants from Bangladesh, whose documents may not meet the requirements for the draft SIR list. Additionally, voters whose names or relatives’ names were absent from the 2002 draft list feared exclusion from the 2025 list.
Important Reminders for Voters
- Check Multiple Times: Verify your name on different platforms (CEO website, ECI portal, mobile apps) to ensure accuracy
- Act Quickly: If your name is missing, file your claim immediately during the objection period (December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026)
- Keep Documents Ready: Gather all necessary identity and residence proofs before attending hearings
- Verify Family Members: Check names of all eligible family members in your household
- Update Address: If you’ve shifted residence within West Bengal, update your address through Form 8
- New Voter Registration: Those turning 18 can apply for new voter registration using Form 6
- Toll-Free Helpline: Call 1950 for any voter-related queries or assistance
How to Apply for New Voter ID in West Bengal
If you’re a new voter or need to register for the first time:
Step 1: Visit the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) at voters.eci.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “New Voter Registration” and then “Apply Online”
Step 3: Fill Form 6 with your personal details:
- Full name
- Father’s/Mother’s name
- Date of birth
- Address proof
- Identity proof
- Recent photograph
Step 4: Submit the form online
Step 5: Note the reference number sent to your registered mobile number
Step 6: Track your application status using the reference number
Eligibility: You must be an Indian citizen and 18 years of age or older as of the qualifying date (January 1 of the current year).
Understanding the CEO West Bengal Portal
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) West Bengal is the senior electoral authority responsible for election management in the state, including:
- Voter registration
- Electoral roll preparation
- Polling arrangements
- Election-related functions and coordination
The CEO West Bengal office operates under the Election Commission of India and maintains the official website where all voter-related information and services are available.
District-Wise Voter List Access
West Bengal’s 21 districts and their voters can access district-specific electoral rolls:
Districts: Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata (North West, North East, South), Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, Bardhaman, and Birbhum.
Each district has its own section on the CEO website where voters can download constituency-wise electoral rolls in PDF format.
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal SIR draft voter list was published on December 16, 2025
- Over 58 lakh names have been marked for deletion
- Voters have until January 15, 2026, to file claims and objections
- The final voter list will be published on February 14, 2026
- Multiple online and offline methods are available to check your name
- Proper documentation is essential for hearings and claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the SIR voter list? A: SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is a comprehensive exercise to update and clean electoral rolls by removing deceased, duplicate, and shifted voters.
Q: When was the West Bengal SIR draft list published?
A: December 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Q: How many names were deleted?
A: Over 58 lakh (5.8 million) names were deleted from the draft rolls.
Q: What if my name is missing? A: File Form 6 with supporting documents during the claims period (December 16, 2025 – January 15, 2026).
Q: Where can I check my voter status?
A: Visit ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in, voters.eci.gov.in, or electoralsearch.eci.gov.in.
Q: What is the helpline number?
A: Call toll-free 1950 for voter-related assistance.
Q: When will the final list be published?
A: February 14, 2026.
Q: What documents are needed for hearings?
A: Government ID, Aadhaar, address proof, educational certificates, and other identity documents.
Conclusion
The release of West Bengal’s SIR draft voter list marks a critical step in preparing for the 2026 Assembly elections. With over 58 lakh names deleted, it’s essential for every eligible voter to verify their registration status immediately and take corrective action if needed. The Election Commission has provided multiple platforms and a month-long window for claims and objections, ensuring that genuine voters are not disenfranchised.
Don’t wait until the last minute—check your name today and encourage family members to do the same. Your vote is your voice in democracy, and ensuring your name is on the voter list is the first step in exercising your fundamental right.