The final phase of voting in West Bengal is set for April 29, with attention turning to when exit poll projections will emerge for this high-stakes election cycle.
Exit polls are surveys conducted immediately after voting, where voters are asked whom they voted for, allowing agencies to project likely outcomes.
The Election Commission has barred the conduct and publication of exit polls from 7:00 am on April 9 until 6:30 pm on April 29.
As a result, exit poll results for all five regions - West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry - are expected to be released only after 6:30 pm on April 29, once voting concludes across phases.
The Commission also cautioned broadcasters and digital platforms against airing any content that could influence voters during this period.
Exit polls are conducted by survey teams interacting with voters outside polling stations, using structured questionnaires with close-ended questions to ensure responses remain clear and consistent.
Samples are drawn from both urban and rural areas across regions to capture a broad cross-section of voters.
