Rural Rajasthan is in the middle of its biggest election of the year. The Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026 covers 14,403 gram panchayats, 457 panchayat samitis and 41 zila parishads, with more than 4.03 crore voters. Three phases of sarpanch and ward panch voting are already over, the fourth and final phase is on 16 November 2026, and the counting of zila parishad and panchayat samiti votes will take place on 20 November 2026.
These polls come after a long delay, administrator rule in many panchayats and a firm deadline from the Rajasthan High Court. For the BJP government of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, they are the first big rural test since the 2023 Assembly election, and for the Congress they are a chance to show a comeback in villages. This Election Guru guide explains the full schedule, the scale of the exercise, the reservation rules, ballot paper vs EVM, and what to watch on result day.
Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announced by | State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh, 3 October 2026 |
| Gram panchayats (sarpanch posts) | 14,403 |
| Panchayat samitis | 457 (8,245 members) |
| Zila parishads | 41 (1,403 members) |
| Total voters | 4,03,07,308 |
| Male / Female / Third gender | 2,08,87,351 / 1,94,19,789 / 168 |
| Polling booths | 45,384 |
| Sarpanch phases | 24 Oct, 30 Oct, 5 Nov, 16 Nov 2026 |
| ZP and PS counting | 20 November 2026, at district headquarters |
Sarpanch and Ward Panch Election Schedule
Sarpanch and ward panch elections are being held in four phases. Votes are counted at the gram panchayat headquarters immediately after polling closes, so each phase’s results come the same night. The up-sarpanch (deputy) is elected the day after.
| Phase | Polling Date | Up-Sarpanch Election | Status (12 Nov) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 24 October 2026 | 25 October | Completed |
| Phase 2 | 30 October 2026 | 31 October | Completed |
| Phase 3 | 5 November 2026 | 6 November | Completed |
| Phase 4 | 16 November 2026 | 17 November | Upcoming |
Districts in Phase 4 include Balotra, Banswara, Baran, Beawar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Churu, Deeg, Dholpur, Didwana-Kuchaman, Hanumangarh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhunjhunu, Karauli, Khairthal-Tijara, Pratapgarh, Salumber, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sri Ganganagar and Tonk, as per the reported programme. Most districts are spread across more than one phase.
Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Election Schedule
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Public notice | 8 October 2026 |
| Last date for nominations | 13 October 2026 (3 pm) |
| Scrutiny | 14 October 2026 |
| Withdrawal | 15 October 2026 |
| Member polling (EVM, 7 am – 6 pm) | 22 Oct, 28 Oct, 3 Nov, 14 Nov 2026 |
| Counting of ZP and PS member votes | 20 November 2026 |
| Zila Pramukh election | 25 November 2026 |
| Up-Zila Pramukh election | 26 November 2026 |
| Pradhan election | 27 November 2026 |
| Up-Pradhan election | 28 November 2026 |
Ballot Paper vs EVM: How Voting Works
Rajasthan uses two different voting methods in these elections:
| Post | Voting Method | Counting |
|---|---|---|
| Sarpanch | Paper ballot (white) in ballot box | Same day at gram panchayat |
| Ward Panch | Paper ballot (pink) in ballot box | Same day at gram panchayat |
| Panchayat Samiti member | EVM | 20 November at district HQ |
| Zila Parishad member | EVM | 20 November at district HQ |
NOTA (None of the Above) is compulsory and appears after the last candidate on the ballot. Sarpanch and ward panch elections are not fought on party symbols, while zila parishad and panchayat samiti members contest on party symbols, which is why the 20 November count will be watched as a BJP vs Congress contest.
Reservation Rules in Rajasthan Panchayats
Reservation is governed by Sections 15 and 16 of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Section 15 covers directly elected seats and Section 16 covers chairperson posts such as sarpanch, pradhan and pramukh.
| Category | Reservation Rule |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes | In proportion to population |
| OBC | Capped at 21% |
| Women | 50%, within each category |
| Rotation | Reserved posts rotate between panchayats |
| Lottery | Date |
|---|---|
| Zila Pramukh posts | 13 August 2026 (20 of 41 reserved for women) |
| ZP member, Pradhan, PS member | 23 September 2026 |
| Sarpanch and Ward Panch | 24 September 2026 |
The OBC count for Zila Pramukh posts has been challenged in the High Court, according to reports.
Why the Election Was Delayed
The terms of many panchayats ended before fresh polls could be held, and the state government appointed administrators (prashasak) to run them. Petitioners went to the Rajasthan High Court, which on 20 July 2026 refused to give the state more time and set 15 November 2026 as the deadline for both panchayat and municipal elections. The reservation lottery itself was deferred twice, from August to late September, before the State Election Commission announced the programme on 3 October.
Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct is in force in rural areas covered by the elections. During this period, the government cannot announce new schemes or projects for these areas, and transfers of officials connected to the election need the State Election Commission’s approval.
Political Stakes: BJP vs Congress
| Party | Leader | What It Wants |
|---|---|---|
| BJP | CM Bhajan Lal Sharma | Show rural support three years after winning the 2023 Assembly election |
| Congress | Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot | Prove a comeback in villages and build momentum for 2028 |
| Others | RLP, BAP, independents | Strong pockets in western and tribal belts |
In the 2023 Assembly election, the BJP won 115 of 199 seats that went to polls, while the Congress won 69, ending Ashok Gehlot’s government. The Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) has since grown in the tribal south, around Banswara and Dungarpur, and could be a factor in zila parishad seats there.
How to Check Rajasthan Panchayat Results 2026
- Visit the Rajasthan State Election Commission website: sec.rajasthan.gov.in
- Select “Panchayat Elections 2026” and choose your district
- Pick the panchayat samiti or gram panchayat to see sarpanch and panch results
- For zila parishad and panchayat samiti results, check on 20 November 2026 after counting begins
- District election offices also put up result sheets at counting centres
Also Read: Elections in 2027: Full List of State and National Polls
What to Watch on 20 November
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Which party wins most zila parishads? | Decides who becomes Zila Pramukh on 25 November |
| BJP vs Congress panchayat samiti tally | Indicator of rural mood before 2028 |
| Performance of BAP in tribal districts | Signals a third force in southern Rajasthan |
| Women’s representation | 50% reservation means half of posts go to women |
Rajasthan and the Birth of Panchayati Raj
Rajasthan holds a special place in India’s local self-government. On 2 October 1959, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the Panchayati Raj system at Nagaur, making Rajasthan the first state to launch it. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992 later made three-tier panchayats mandatory across India, and Rajasthan passed its Panchayati Raj Act in 1994.
Three-Tier Panchayati Raj Structure
| Tier | Level | Elected Members | Head | How Head Is Chosen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gram Panchayat | Village | Ward Panch | Sarpanch | Directly by voters |
| Panchayat Samiti | Block | PS members | Pradhan | By elected PS members |
| Zila Parishad | District | ZP members | Zila Pramukh | By elected ZP members |
Who Can Contest the Panchayat Election?
- Must be a registered voter in the panchayat area
- Minimum age of 21 years
- Must not hold an office of profit under the government
- Reserved seats can only be contested by candidates of that category
- Other disqualifications under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 apply
Powers and Duties of a Sarpanch
| Area | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Development | Village roads, drains, street lights, community buildings |
| Welfare schemes | Selection of beneficiaries for housing, pensions and other schemes |
| Water and sanitation | Drinking water supply and cleanliness |
| Gram Sabha | Calling and chairing Gram Sabha meetings |
| Records | Birth, death and other local records |
| Funds | Managing Finance Commission and state grants |
Rajasthan Districts After Reorganisation
Rajasthan now has 41 districts after the reorganisation of districts created in 2023, and there are 41 zila parishads in the 2026 elections. Several newer districts such as Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Khairthal-Tijara, Kotputli-Behror, Phalodi and Salumber appear in the 2026 schedule, making this the first panchayat election for some of them as separate districts.
Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Over the Years
| Year | Note |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Panchayati Raj launched at Nagaur |
| 1994 | Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act passed after 73rd Amendment |
| 2015 | Panchayat elections held in phases |
| 2020 | Sarpanch polls early in the year; ZP and PS polls in late 2020 |
| 2026 | Four-phase elections; counting of ZP and PS on 20 November |
Women in Rajasthan Panchayats
With 50% reservation for women within every category, about half of all sarpanch, panchayat samiti and zila parishad posts in Rajasthan go to women. Twenty of the 41 Zila Pramukh posts have been reserved for women in 2026. Critics have long complained about “sarpanch pati” culture, where husbands or male relatives run the panchayat on behalf of elected women. The state and the central government have run training programmes for women representatives, and many women sarpanches in Rajasthan have become known for work on water, education and sanitation.
Key Districts to Watch on Result Day
| District | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Jaipur | Capital district with large rural belt |
| Banswara and Dungarpur | Tribal belt where the Bharat Adivasi Party is strong |
| Nagaur and Barmer | Strongholds where regional players such as RLP have influence |
| Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh | Farm belt in the north |
| Bharatpur and Deeg | Eastern Rajasthan, politically competitive |
| New districts such as Balotra, Beawar and Salumber | First ZP elections as separate districts for some |
Important Dates Calendar
- 14 November: Last phase of zila parishad and panchayat samiti member voting
- 16 November: Sarpanch and ward panch Phase 4 polling and counting
- 17 November: Up-sarpanch elections for Phase 4
- 20 November: Counting of zila parishad and panchayat samiti member votes
- 25-26 November: Zila Pramukh and Up-Zila Pramukh elections
- 27-28 November: Pradhan and Up-Pradhan elections
Why Panchayat Results Matter for State Politics
Sarpanch elections are fought without party symbols, but almost every candidate has a known political affiliation, and parties count “their” sarpanches after the results. The zila parishad and panchayat samiti results, which are fought on party symbols, are a more direct measure. In Rajasthan, these results are closely followed because the state has a long tradition of alternating governments between the BJP and the Congress every five years. A strong showing by the Congress in rural seats would be read as an early sign of anti-incumbency against the BJP government, while a BJP sweep would strengthen Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma ahead of the 2028 Assembly election.
| Assembly Election | Winner | Chief Minister |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Congress | Ashok Gehlot |
| 2013 | BJP | Vasundhara Raje |
| 2018 | Congress | Ashok Gehlot |
| 2023 | BJP | Bhajan Lal Sharma |
| 2028 | Due | – |
Rajasthan has not re-elected a ruling party since 1993, which is why both parties treat every rural and urban local election as a signal for the next Assembly contest.
Election Guru Analysis
With more than four crore voters, the Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026 is one of India’s largest local body exercises this year. The sarpanch results are mostly local and non-party, but the zila parishad and panchayat samiti counts on 20 November will be read as a referendum on the BJP government in rural Rajasthan. Election Guru will track the results district by district.
Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026 FAQ
When is the last phase of the Rajasthan sarpanch election 2026?
The fourth and final phase of sarpanch and ward panch voting is on 16 November 2026, with up-sarpanch elections on 17 November.
When is the Rajasthan Zila Parishad result 2026?
Votes for zila parishad and panchayat samiti members will be counted on 20 November 2026 at district headquarters.
How many gram panchayats are there in Rajasthan?
The 2026 elections cover 14,403 gram panchayats, 457 panchayat samitis and 41 zila parishads.
How many voters are there in the Rajasthan panchayat election 2026?
There are 4,03,07,308 voters, including 2,08,87,351 men, 1,94,19,789 women and 168 third-gender voters.
Are EVMs used in the Rajasthan sarpanch election?
No. Sarpanch and ward panch elections use paper ballots. EVMs are used for panchayat samiti and zila parishad members.
When will the Zila Pramukh be elected?
Zila Pramukh elections are scheduled for 25 November 2026, and Pradhan elections for 27 November 2026.
What is the reservation for women in Rajasthan panchayats?
Women get 50% reservation within each category, and 20 of the 41 Zila Pramukh posts are reserved for women.