Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
What is SIR?
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a nationwide electoral roll revision exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Purpose:
Ensure all eligible citizens are included in the Electoral Roll (ER).
Remove ineligible voters, including foreign illegal immigrants.
Update rolls for urbanisation, migration, new voters, unreported deaths.
Constitutional & Legal Basis
Article 324 of the Indian Constitution → ECI has plenary powers over election management.
Section 21(3), Representation of the People Act, 1951 → ECI can revise electoral rolls in any State without prior approval from any authority.
Historical Revisions
Intensive revisions have occurred 13 times:
1952–56
1957
1961
1965
1966
1983–84
1987–89
1992
1993
1995
2002
2003
2004
no such exercise took place in the last two decades
SIR 2025
Announced on 27 October 2025 by CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Purpose: prepare for 2026 Assembly elections (West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry).
Cited concerns: illegal immigrants from Bangladesh obtaining voter ID cards using dual documents in West Bengal, Assam, Tripura.
Phase-II Launch
4 November 2025.
Covers:
9 States and 3 Union Territories
51 crore electors
321 districts
1,843 Assembly constituencies
SIR Joyathon
A district-level campaign under SIR.
Aim: Provide short, energising breaks for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and staff.
Launched late November 2025 in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Promoted by the Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR):
It is undertaken by the Election Commission of India to ensure accurate and inclusive electoral rolls.
SIR requires prior approval from State governments before initiation.
The 2025 SIR was announced by the Chief Election Commissioner from Vigyan Bhawan.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect — ECI needs no prior approval (Article 324 + Section 21(3)).
Q. With reference to the legal authority of the Election Commission, consider the following statements:
Article 324 empowers the ECI to supervise, direct and control elections.
Section 21(3) of the RPA, 1951 allows ECI to revise electoral rolls without permission from any external authority.
ECI can revise rolls only during a general election.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 3 is incorrect — revisions can occur at any time.