Schools and colleges will remain closed in these districts during the first phase of voting in Bihar; see the list.

During the first phase of voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, all schools and colleges in 17 districts of the state will remain closed to ensure a smooth and safe voting process.

Election activity in Bihar is now at its peak. As the assembly elections draw closer, the state administration is taking significant steps to ensure the convenience and safety of voters. In this regard, the government has decided that schools, colleges, and educational institutions will remain closed in all districts where the first phase of voting will take place.

This step has been taken to ensure a smooth and safe voting process. The administration states that many polling stations have been set up on school and college campuses, so closing the institutions will not hinder voting and will allow teachers and staff to participate in the democratic process.

In which districts will institutions remain closed?

Voting will take place in 17 districts of North and South Bihar in the first phase of voting. These include Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur. Elections will be held for 121 assembly seats in these districts, and voting will run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Election Commission has directed all government and private schools and colleges in these districts to remain closed on polling day. This will facilitate arrangements for voters and polling personnel.

Voting Preparations and Schedule

The nomination process for the first phase has already begun. Candidates can file their nominations until October 17th. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 18th, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 20th. The first phase of voting will be held in the last week of October. The second phase will be held on November 11th, and the results for both phases will be declared on November 14th.

Areas Covered in the First Phase

The assembly constituencies where voting will take place in the first phase include Alamnagar, Bihariganj, Singheshwar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Kusheshwarsthan, Darbhanga Rural, Benipur, Jale, Muzaffarpur, Kanti, Gopalganj, Siwan, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger, Nalanda, Patna Sahib, Fatuha, Danapur, Ara, and Buxar, among other key constituencies. The election atmosphere is gradually heating up in all these areas. Voter awareness campaigns are also being continuously conducted to encourage maximum participation in the voting.

Tight Security Arrangements

The Election Commission has announced strict security arrangements for the first phase of voting. Approximately 8.5 lakh officers and employees will be on election duty across the state. These will include 4.5 lakh polling personnel, 2.5 lakh police personnel, 28,000 counting staff, and 18,000 micro observers. The Election Commission has clarified that security forces will be deployed at all polling stations so that voting can be completed peacefully and fairly.