Bihar Assembly Polls 2025: When Will the Results Be Declared? Counting Date & Time Here

The outcome, to be declared on Friday, November 14, will decide whether Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U)-BJP-led NDA secures another term, or whether Tejashwi Yadav ’s RJD-led INDIA alliance manages to unseat Bihar ’s longest-serving chief minister.

A Record-Breaking Voter Turnout

According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, Vinod Gunjiyal, the 2025 Assembly elections witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 67.14% during the second and final phase of polling. This historic figure surpassed all previous participation records since India’s first general elections in 1951, underscoring the electorate’s strong engagement in shaping the state’s future.

Polling for 122 constituencies across 20 districts was conducted peacefully, with reports of robust participation from both rural and urban voters. Political analysts have described this election as one of Bihar’s most vibrant and competitive contests, marked by high voter enthusiasm and a strong desire for political accountability.

Exit Polls Predict an NDA Victory

Exit polls released after voting concluded have largely pointed toward a comfortable win for the ruling NDA. Most surveys indicate that the JD(U)-BJP coalition, led by Nitish Kumar, is likely to cross the 122-seat majority mark in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and its allies under the INDIA alliance, including the Congress and Left parties, are projected to finish with around 100 seats or fewer, according to early estimates. However, given Bihar’s unpredictable political climate, many experts caution against taking exit poll numbers at face value until official counting concludes.

The Final Countdown — Counting Date and Timings

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), vote counting for the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will begin at 8:00 AM on Friday, November 14, across multiple counting centres in all districts.

Real-time updates on trends and results will be available on the official ECI portal at results.eci.gov.in, and live coverage will be broadcast across major news platforms, including indianexpress.com, for those following the political developments closely. The final results are expected to be declared by Friday evening, sealing the fate of key political figures and determining Bihar’s next government.

Nitish Kumar’s Legacy on the Line

The 2025 elections hold particular significance for Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar’s Chief Minister for nine terms across two decades. His leadership, known for its emphasis on governance, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years amid debates over unemployment, law and order, and the pace of economic growth.

A victory would cement Nitish’s political dominance and reaffirm his alliance’s relevance within the national landscape, especially for the BJP-JD(U) combine heading into the 2026 general elections. Conversely, a loss could signal the waning influence of his political brand and open the door for a generational shift led by Tejashwi Yadav.

Tejashwi Yadav and the Opposition’s Challenge

For Tejashwi Yadav, the 35-year-old leader of the RJD, this election represents a defining moment. After a strong performance in the 2020 Assembly polls, he has sought to build momentum by positioning himself as the face of Bihar’s youthful electorate.

His campaign, anchored on issues such as job creation, corruption, and rural development, found resonance in sections of the population seeking change. However, the INDIA alliance’s challenge has been balancing diverse partners while countering the NDA’s consolidated campaign machinery and well-organized voter outreach.

Two-Phase Election — A Recap

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 were conducted in two phases, covering all 243 constituencies of the state. The first phase took place in late October, followed by the second and final round on November 11.

Both phases saw extensive campaigning from all major political fronts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, and Congress leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi holding high-profile rallies.

Political observers noted that this election’s tone was notably more development-centric, focusing on governance and employment rather than caste-driven narratives that have traditionally dominated Bihar’s politics.

Security and Logistics for Counting Day

The Election Commission has announced multi-layered security arrangements for the counting process on November 14. Central paramilitary forces, state police, and election officials have been deployed to ensure transparent and secure handling of ballots and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Each counting centre will be equipped with CCTV monitoring, and the ECI has assured political parties of real-time transparency during every stage of the vote tally. Strict guidelines have been issued to maintain order as the results unfold.

What’s at Stake

With 243 Assembly seats up for grabs, the magic number to form a government stands at 122. For the NDA, retaining power means continuing its development narrative under Nitish Kumar’s leadership. For the INDIA bloc, it’s an opportunity to reestablish a foothold in Bihar’s political arena and challenge the dominance of the BJP-JD(U) alliance.

Beyond Bihar, the election results carry wider implications for national politics, shaping alliances and strategies for the 2026 Lok Sabha elections. A decisive NDA victory could reinforce the ruling coalition’s momentum, while an opposition resurgence could reinvigorate the INDIA alliance ahead of national polls.