As part of robust preparations for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to keep 25% of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in reserve. These reserve units will ensure uninterrupted polling in case of any malfunction or technical issue on voting day.
ECI Ensures Backup Readiness for EVMs
To guarantee smooth conduct at polling booths across Bihar, the Election Commission has dispatched extra sets of EVMs:
| Equipment | Reserve Provision |
|---|---|
| Ballot Unit (BU) | 25% extra |
| Control Unit (CU) | 25% extra |
| VVPAT Machines | 35% extra |
These reserves will be used during mock polls and in case of technical failure at any booth during the actual voting process.
Only ECIL-Made EVMs to Be Used
This election will exclusively use EVMs manufactured by Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), Hyderabad. While Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) also manufactures EVMs, the 2025 Bihar election will not use BEL machines.
A total of 1.75 lakh EVMs have been made available for deployment across the state.
EVM Testing in Full Swing
- ECIL is sending engineers district-wise for first-level checks and maintenance
- These checks are being conducted based on requests from District Magistrates (DMs)
- The deadline for EVM testing is June 2025
- The process is being overseen by District Election Officers (DEOs)
This step ensures all machines are fully functional and tested well ahead of polling day.
Two EVMs in Constituencies with Over 15 Candidates
Each EVM can accommodate 16 buttons, out of which:
- 15 are allotted to contesting candidates
- 1 is reserved for NOTA (None of the Above)
If a constituency has more than 15 candidates, two EVMs will be installed at the booth to accommodate the additional names.
Before polling begins, demonstrations and mock polls will be conducted in the presence of authorized party representatives to maintain transparency.
Did You Know?
VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) machines allow voters to verify their vote for 7 seconds on a printed slip before it drops into a sealed box, enhancing trust in the EVM process.
Key Takeaways
- 25% reserve EVMs will be kept at every polling station across Bihar
- Only ECIL-manufactured machines will be used for voting
- 1.75 lakh EVMs have been dispatched and are under district-level testing
- Two EVMs will be used in constituencies with more than 15 candidates
- Election Commission ensuring full transparency and reliability in the process
FAQs
Why are 25% EVMs being reserved?
To replace faulty machines during mock polls or actual voting without delay.
Which company is supplying the EVMs for this election?
Only Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) machines will be used.
What is the total number of EVMs being deployed?
Approximately 1.75 lakh EVMs will be available in the state.
When will the EVM testing be completed?
The testing is expected to be completed by June 2025.
What happens if there are more than 15 candidates?
Two EVMs will be used in such cases, with one EVM supporting up to 15 candidates + NOTA.
