WB Election Training: Preparations for the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly Election 2026 have kicked into high gear. In this context, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal has issued a crucial notice addressing all District Election Officers. Published on February 20, 2026, this directive outlines major updates regarding the training schedule for polling personnel and specific regulations concerning mock polls.
For government employees in the state, especially those assigned to election duty, these new guidelines are of utmost importance. Below is a detailed breakdown of the training calendar and the new protocols.
Table of Contents
Three-Phase Training Schedule: What to Expect?
According to the commission’s directive, training processes must commence at the district level immediately following the press release announcing the election. The training structure has been divided into three distinct phases:
- Phase 1 (Category-based Training): The first day is designated for all polling officers. On this day, officers will undergo full-day theoretical training covering election rules and regulations based on their specific categories.
- Phase 2 (Hands-on Training): This is a critical step reserved exclusively for Presiding Officers (PrO) and First Polling Officers (P1). The focus will be entirely on hands-on operation and troubleshooting of EVM and VVPAT machines.
- Phase 3 (Party-based Training): In the final phase, the entire polling party (the full team) will be trained together to ensure proper coordination and teamwork before the poll day.
Strict Guidelines on Mock Polls and the 100-Vote Rule
The directive places significant emphasis on the ‘Hands-on Training’ day. The commission has mandated that Presiding Officers must be thoroughly trained in the mock poll process using EVM machines.
Key Highlights of the New Instructions:
- It is now mandatory to complete at least 100 mock polls using EVM and VVPAT during the training session.
- Officers will receive direct training on how to accurately fill out the ‘Mock Poll Certificate’ and the ‘Presiding Officer Report’ immediately after conducting the mock poll.
Concerns Among Polling Staff: Is it 100 Votes on Poll Day Too?
The mention of 100 mock polls during training has sparked some anxiety among a section of polling personnel. Typically, a mock poll is conducted on the morning of the election before actual voting begins. However, if the requirement to cast 100 mock votes is also made mandatory for the poll day morning—similar to the training session—it could prove to be extremely time-consuming and challenging.
While the current notification specifically mentions the 100-vote rule in the context of ‘Hands-on Training,’ speculation remains regarding whether this will apply to the actual election day procedures. Thousands of poll workers across the state are now awaiting further detailed guidelines from the commission to clarify this matter.
