Will Exit Polls Be Released Today for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry? EC Explains

As

voting begins on the major polling day for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, the biggest question on every voter's mind is: When will the Exit Polls be out? While voting is currently underway across thousands of polling stations, those waiting for early predictions and seat tallies will have to wait longer.The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a strict notification regarding the conduct and broadcast of exit polls. Here is everything you need to know about the ban, the legal consequences, and the final date for the result.

Why Exit Polls Are Banned Today

Despite all assembly seats in Kerala (140), Assam (126), and Puducherry (30) voting today, April 9, the ECI has prohibited the release of any exit poll data. According to the ECI notification, the ban on exit polls started at 7:00 AM on April 9 (Thursday) and will remain in effect until 6:30 PM on April 29. The ban ensures that voters in states with later polling dates, specifically Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, are not influenced by the predictions of states that have already finished voting.

The Election Calendar: Who Votes When?

The prohibition covers the entire duration of the multi-phase elections. Here is the breakdown:

• April 9: Full voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.
• April 23: Polling in Tamil Nadu and Phase 1 of West Bengal.
• April 29: Final Phase of West Bengal elections.

The ECI has made it clear that Media houses and pollsters are allowed to release their data only after voting in West Bengal ends on April 29.

Strict Legal Warning: Jail for Violators

The Election Commission has invoked Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to enforce this ban. Any news organisation, social media handle, or individual found conducting, publishing, or publicising exit poll results during this window faces severe penalties.

Violators can be punished with:

• Imprisonment for up to two years.
• A heavy fine, or both.

Top Pollsters Fall in Line

Leading psephologists and agencies have already confirmed they will strictly follow the "Silence Period." Axis My India, led by Pradeep Gupta, released a statement clarifying that they do not publish any pre-poll or opinion polls. Their highly anticipated exit poll results for all five assemblies will only be released on April 29, 2026, from 6:30 PM onwards.

Voting by the Numbers: April 9 Overview

Today’s phase sees a massive turnout as millions head to the booths:

• Assam: 2.5 crore voters across 126 seats; over 5.7 lakh first-time voters.
• Kerala: 2.7 crore voters across 140 seats; 4.24 lakh first-time voters.
• Puducherry: 9.4 lakh voters; 23,000 first-time voters.