Special Summary Revision (SSR) 2026–27: Key Features and SSR vs SIR

Learn about the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls for 2026–27, its qualifying date, key features, legal provisions, and differences between SSR and SIR.

Table of Contents

Context

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls across 17 States and Union Territories, with 1 January 2027 as the qualifying date.

About Special Summary Revision (SSR)

Nature: Routine annual exercise to update electoral rolls by adding eligible voters, correcting details and removing deceased or duplicate entries.
Constitutional Basis: Article 324 empowers the ECI to supervise, direct and control the preparation of electoral rolls.
Legal Framework: Section 21(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
Implementing Authorities: Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant EROs and Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Key Features

Existing Electors: Names on the existing roll are carried forward to the draft roll; fresh enumeration forms are not required.
New Registrations: Eligible first-time voters use Form 6.
Corrections and Shifting: Existing voters use Form 8 to correct electoral details or change their address.
Safeguards Against Deletion: Proposed deletions require prescribed procedures, including individual notices and hearings where mandated by law.
Revision Schedule: Includes polling-station rationalisation, publication of the draft roll, a period for claims and objections, and publication of the final roll.
Coverage: The announced exercise covers 17 States and UTs, including Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

Key Differences Between Special Summary Revision (SSR) and Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
Parameter	Special Summary Revision (SSR)	Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
Basic Approach	Updates existing electoral rolls while generally retaining registered voters.	Conducts fresh verification of electoral rolls and reassesses voter eligibility.
Verification Requirements	Existing voters generally need not undergo re-verification; applications are required for new registrations or corrections.	Involves voter enumeration and eligibility verification; supporting documents may be required.
Deletion of Names	Deletions follow prescribed verification, notice and hearing procedures.	Unverified electors may be excluded from draft rolls, subject to claims and objections.
Verification Method	Primarily relies on field verification and public scrutiny.	May use software-based discrepancy detection alongside verification notices and enumeration.
Frequency	Generally conducted annually.	Conducted periodically as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).