In anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists throughout Bihar. This initiative, which began on June 25, 2025, and will continue until July 26, 2025, involves Booth Level Officers (BLOs) conducting a comprehensive verification process. BLOs are visiting households across the state to gather information from voters and facilitate the completion of Enumeration Forms (EF).
The revision is taking place in all 243 assembly constituencies, affecting over 7.89 crore registered voters whose details are being meticulously checked. The primary objectives of this campaign include improving the accuracy of the electoral rolls, registering new eligible voters, and removing any ineligible names.
Voters have both online and offline options for participation. The ECI has introduced an online facility through Voters.eci.gov.in, where voters can download and submit forms using their EPIC numbers. The upcoming ECINET mobile app will further enhance the online accessibility and convenience.
Each BLO is providing voters with two copies of the enumeration form. Voters must fill the form with their latest photograph, along with self-attested proof of date and place of birth, such as birth certificates or school records. Acknowledgment receipts are issued by BLOs upon the form submission.
To keep the voters informed, SMS alerts are being sent to 5.74 crore registered mobile numbers in the state. Voters already included in the 2003 revised list will only need to confirm their details.
The ECI has ensured the active participation of political parties. A total of 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) have already been appointed across the state, with provisions for further appointments by the political parties.
The final voter list will be published on September 30th, 2025. In addition to existing BLOs, 20,603 new BLOs have been appointed. Over a lakh volunteers have been mobilized to provide assistance to the elderly, sick, disabled, and other vulnerable groups of voters. The final electoral roll, updated through this rigorous revision process, will be released on September 30, 2025.
This revision exercise has ignited a political debate in Bihar. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi has criticized it, labeling it a ‘hidden NRC.’ Conversely, the ruling parties see it as a measure of the Election Commission to address the earlier electoral anomalies. The ruling parties assert this process underscores the commitment to fairness and transparency.
The ECI is urging the voters to keep their documents ready, engage with BLOs and confirm their details on time to secure their voting rights in upcoming polls.