The 2026 assembly elections in India, covering four states and one Union Territory, will conclude with the last phase in West Bengal on April 29. Exit polls will be released by media outlets after 6 PM on that day, adhering to the Election Commission of India's regulations that prohibit their publication until all phases of voting are complete. This rule aims to prevent influencing voters in areas still casting ballots, particularly in competitive regions like West Bengal. The elections have seen a significant increase in voter engagement, with Assam recording a turnout of 85.38%, and Puducherry achieving 89.83%, both surpassing previous records. The official counting of votes and announcement of results is scheduled for May 4. While exit polls offer a snapshot of public sentiment, they are based on sampling and are not official results. They help analysts understand the motivations behind voter choices, which can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions and local leadership.