What Is the SIR Exercise and Why It Matters

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the final voter list for Bihar after completing a major cleanup and update process called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This exercise was launched to ensure that only eligible voters are listed, removing duplicate entries, deceased individuals, and those who have permanently moved out of the state.

The SIR process began on 01-07-2025 and involved door-to-door verification, document checks, and a public window for objections and claims. The draft list was published on 01-08-2025, and citizens had until 01-09-2025 to raise concerns. After reviewing all submissions, the ECI finalized the list and published it on 30-09-2025.

Key Numbers: How Many Voters Are in Bihar Now?

According to the final data released by the ECI, Bihar now has a total of 7.42 crore registered voters. This includes new voters who turned 18 recently and those who successfully applied to be added after being left out of the draft roll.

• 6.9 million names were deleted – mostly deceased individuals, permanent migrants, and duplicate entries.
• 2.15 million names were added – including first-time voters and those who submitted Form-6 during the claims period.
• Patna district alone added 1.63 lakh voters, bringing its total to over 48 lakh electors.
• Muzaffarpur district saw an increase of 88,108 voters compared to the draft roll.

These changes reflect a significant update to Bihar’s electoral database, which had not undergone such a deep revision in over two decades.

Political Reactions and Legal Challenges

The SIR exercise has not been without controversy. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, accused the ECI of conducting the revision to favor the ruling coalition. They launched a campaign called “Voter Adhikar Yatra” to raise awareness and protest the timing of the revision.

Petitions challenging the legality of the SIR process are still pending in the Supreme Court of India. During a hearing on 08-09-2025, the court acknowledged the ECI’s constitutional authority but stated that the process could be overturned if any illegality is proven. The next hearing is scheduled for 07-10-2025.

Despite the criticism, the ECI has defended its actions, stating that the revision was necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral rolls and ensure fair elections.

How to Check Your Name in the Final Voter List

If you are a resident of Bihar and want to confirm your voter registration, you can easily check your name online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official ECI portal: https://voters.eci.gov.in/
2. Select your state, district, and assembly constituency.
3. Choose “Final Roll-2025” under the Roll Type dropdown.
4. Enter your Part number and Name.
5. Complete the captcha verification.
6. Click on “Download selected PDFs” to view your entry.

If your name is missing, you can still apply for inclusion up to 10 days before the last date of nomination. Your name will appear in a supplementary list and be added to future rolls.

What’s Next: Bihar Assembly Elections 2025

The current government in Bihar will complete its term on 22-11-2025. This means the Assembly elections must be held and results declared before that date. The ECI is expected to announce the election schedule soon, possibly by 06-10-2025 or 07-10-2025.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and his team will visit Bihar on 04-10-2025 and 05-10-2025 to review poll arrangements. They will meet with political parties, civil society groups, and state officials to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

With the voter list finalized and preparations underway, Bihar is now ready to enter a crucial phase in its democratic journey. The upcoming elections will be a test of transparency, participation, and public trust in the electoral process.