Election Commission Rejects Madhyamik Admit Card for SIR 2026 Verification
The Election Commission has firmly declined a proposal from West Bengal's Chief Electoral Office. The commission will not accept Madhyamik admit cards as valid documents for the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls in 2026.
Official Communication Details the Decision
On Thursday, EC Under Secretary Shakti Sharma formally communicated this decision to Manoj Agarwal, the Chief Electoral Officer of Bengal. The letter clearly states the commission's position.
"It is noted that, as per the commission's instructions issued on October 27 for the conduct of SIR in Bengal, the Madhyamik admit card is not listed as an admissible document for verification," the letter explains. "In view of the above, the commission is of the opinion that the proposal to accept Madhyamik admit card as a valid document cannot be acceded to."
Currently, the Election Commission accepts matriculation or educational certificates issued by any recognised board or university. These are listed among thirteen officially notified documents for verification purposes.
Background of the Proposal and Practical Challenges
The West Bengal CEO sought clarification from the Election Commission on January 1. Officials asked whether the Madhyamik admit card could be considered as a fourteenth document for SIR purposes.
This request stemmed from practical difficulties observed during the SIR hearing process. Many electors faced significant challenges because they did not pass the Class X board examination. However, these individuals possessed Madhyamik admit cards that clearly mentioned their date of birth.
Numerous Booth Level Officers reported these issues to their supervisors and Electoral Registration Officers. Many voters struggled to produce other documents containing accurate birth details.
Booth Level Officers Express Concerns Over Implementation
A Booth Level Officer from Tollygunge shared specific concerns about the situation. "Some of my voters don't have any age-proof document other than the Madhyamik admit card," the officer stated. "What will they do in the hearing when the EC has not approved it as a valid document? Today, I got an instruction from the ERO asking me not to upload the Madhyamik admit card as a document for mitigating discrepancies pertaining to age."
Another officer from the Garfa area highlighted similar problems. "I have around five electors who had appeared in Madhyamik but failed in the examination," the officer explained. These individuals now face hurdles in proving their age during the electoral roll revision process.
The Election Commission's decision maintains strict adherence to existing notification guidelines. This ruling directly impacts voters who rely solely on their Madhyamik admit cards for age verification during electoral processes.
