General Elections and bye-elections 2026: 1,955 candidates in the electoral fray

• Election Commission of India (ECI) announced 2026 Legislative Assembly elections for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal plus bye-elections in 6 states on 15 March 2026.
• After scrutiny and withdrawals, 1,955 candidates remain in fray for the 9 April 2026 phase (Assam + Kerala + Puducherry + by-polls in 4 states).
• Tests aspirant knowledge of ECI's Model Code of Conduct, nomination process, and constitutional architecture of elections (Art. 324) — high-yield Prelims fodder.