Decoding Exit Polls: What Are They? How Are They Conducted? | Check Here

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 08:57 IST

With ballot boxes now sealed in these states, the attention of the voters, as well as political pundits, has shifted to the polling analysis and predictions

Voting has wrapped up across key states — including Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry — setting the stage for the next big political moment: the exit polls.

With ballot boxes now sealed in these states, the attention of the voters, as well as political pundits, has shifted to the polling analysis and predictions.

In West Bengal, the first phase of polling was held on April 23, with the state set to undergo the second phase of voting on April 29.

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When Will Exit Polls Be Out?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had issued an advisory to media platforms and broadcasters, banning exit polls for elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, and by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies.

The ECI issued clear directions, saying conducting and publishing exit polls through print or electronic media will not be allowed from 7 A.M. on April 9 until 6.30 P.M. on April 29.

While elections in Assam and Kerala were held in single phases on April 9, West Bengal will see the second round of voting on April 29.

What Are Exit Polls?

Wondering what exit polls are? An exit poll is a survey conducted among voters once they exit a polling booth after casting their vote. The move aims at predicting the outcome of an election before results are officially announced.

The on-spot surveys are typically conducted by research agencies and media organisations, which deploy their surveyors at polling stations to ask voters about their choices, factors driving their voting decisions, among others.

The data is then analysed to estimate vote share and project poll outcomes.

Are Exit Polls Accurate?

Exit polls cannot be always counted on, for their reliability depends on factors including sample size, voters’ willingness to disclose their choice, and the methodology used.

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