Andhra Pradesh's gram panchayat elections for sarpanch and ward members are scheduled in three phases: 26 November, 29 November and 2 December 2026. Votes are counted on the same day as polling in each phase.
Status on 10 November 2026: the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) has set the phase dates in its local body calendar. The formal Phase 1 notification is due on 13 November 2026, and the list of which mandals vote in which phase comes with the notifications.
AP gram panchayat election schedule 2026
| Event | Phase 1 | Phase 2 | Phase 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| APSEC notification | 13 Nov 2026 | 16 Nov 2026 | 19 Nov 2026 |
| Last date for nominations | 17 Nov 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | 23 Nov 2026 |
| Scrutiny of nominations | 18 Nov 2026 | 21 Nov 2026 | 24 Nov 2026 |
| Polling and counting | 26 Nov 2026 | 29 Nov 2026 | 2 Dec 2026 |
| Re-poll, if needed | 27 Nov 2026 | 30 Nov 2026 | 3 Dec 2026 |
Polling hours published for the gram panchayat round are 7 AM to 1 PM, with counting starting the same afternoon at the panchayat level. More than 13,000 gram panchayats are covered.
Where this fits in the 2026 local body calendar
The panchayat round is the last of three local elections the state is holding this season:
- Urban local bodies (municipal corporations, municipalities, nagar panchayats): polled on 1 November, counted on 3 November 2026.
- MPTC and ZPTC (mandal and zilla parishad constituencies): polled on 5 November, counted on 7 November 2026.
- Gram panchayats (sarpanch and ward members): 26 November, 29 November and 2 December 2026.
How the panchayat vote works
- Each voter gets two ballot papers: one for the sarpanch and one for the ward member. The papers are in different colours so they are not mixed up.
- Gram panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh are fought on a non-party basis. Candidates get free symbols, not party symbols, although parties openly back candidates.
- Voting is by ballot paper, not EVM.
- The upa-sarpanch is chosen afterwards by the elected ward members.
How to check your phase and your name
- Open the APSEC website, sec.ap.gov.in, and look for the gram panchayat notification for your district.
- Find your mandal in the phase list to see your polling date.
- Check the panchayat voter list displayed at your gram panchayat office or search it on the APSEC site. The panchayat list is prepared from the assembly electoral roll, so a missing name has to be fixed in the main roll first — see how to add your name to the voter list.
- Carry your voter ID (EPIC) or another photo ID accepted by the SEC to the booth.
For candidates
Nominations are filed with the Returning Officer at the place named in the election notice for your panchayat. Keep the caste certificate ready if the seat is reserved, along with the deposit and declaration forms the SEC prescribes. The window is short — four to five days from notification — so collect papers before the 13th.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AP panchayat election date in 2026?
Gram panchayat polling is scheduled in three phases on 26 November, 29 November and 2 December 2026.
When will AP panchayat election results be declared?
Counting takes place on the same day as polling in each phase, so results come on 26 November, 29 November and 2 December 2026.
Who conducts panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh?
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC), not the Election Commission of India.
Are AP sarpanch elections held on party symbols?
No. Gram panchayat elections are on a non-party basis with free symbols.
Sources: APSEC schedule for the 2nd ordinary elections to local bodies, 2026, as reported by The Hans India and summarised on public election trackers. Dates can be revised by the SEC — confirm on sec.ap.gov.in.