**Summary:**
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, to improve the clarity and readability of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) ballot papers. This revision is part of an ongoing effort by the ECI, which has implemented 28 initiatives in the past six months to streamline election processes and enhance voter convenience.
Key changes to the EVM ballot paper design include the incorporation of color photographs of candidates, with the candidate's face occupying three-fourths of the photo space. Serial numbers for candidates, including 'NOTA' (None of the Above), will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals, using a bold font size of 30. All candidate names, including 'NOTA', will be printed in a uniform font type and size to ensure easy readability. The ballot papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper, with pink colored paper of specified RGB values being used for Assembly Elections. The updated EVM ballot papers will be implemented beginning with upcoming elections in Bihar. This information was released by PIB Delhi on September 17, 2025, at 4:58 PM (Release ID: 2167626).
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India (ECI): The governing body responsible for conducting elections in India. The ECI revised guidelines for EVM ballot papers.
EVM Ballot Papers: Ballot papers used with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which are being redesigned for improved clarity and readability.
Bihar: A state in India where the upgraded EVM ballot papers will be used for the first time.
Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961: A set of rules governing the conduct of elections in India, under which Rule 49B pertains to the design and printing of EVM ballot papers.
NOTA: "None of the Above" option for voters to reject all candidates. It will be printed on the EVM ballot paper.
Assembly Elections: Elections held to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of a state. Pink coloured paper will be used for EVM ballot papers in these elections.
Election Commission
ECI revises guidelines to make EVM Ballot Papers
more readable
Starting from Bihar, EVMs to have colour
photographs of candidates for the first time
Posted On: 17 SEP 2025 4:58PM by PIB Delhi
1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of
the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM Ballot Papers to
enhance their clarity and readability.
2. The initiative is in line with the 28 initiatives already taken by the ECI in the past 6 months to
streamline and improve election processes and enhance convenience for voters.
3. Henceforth, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper. The
candidate’s face will occupy three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility.
4. Serial numbers of candidates/NOTA will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals.
The font size will be 30 and in bold for clarity.
5. To ensure uniformity, the names of all candidates/NOTA will be printed in the same font type and
font size large enough for easy readability.
6. The EVM Ballot Papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly Elections, pink-
coloured paper of specified RGB values shall be used.
7. The upgraded EVM Ballot Papers will be used in the upcoming elections, starting with Bihar.
*****
PK/GDH/RP
(Release ID: 2167626)