Special Intensive Revision (SIR): What Documents You Need & When to Submit
Hindi Version : SIR मतदाता सूची पुनरीक्षण: चरण-दर-चरण गाइड
What is SIR and Why It Matters
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is currently underway across nine states and three Union Territories. This exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) is not just routine—it’s a massive clean-up drive to ensure India’s voter rolls remain accurate and free from duplication.
The goal is simple: remove names of those who have migrated, passed away, or are ineligible, while confirming the legitimacy of every voter. The baseline for this revision is set between 2002–2004, when the last major review was conducted.
For voters, this means one thing—your eligibility must be established clearly. And depending on your situation, you may or may not need to submit documents.
When Do You Submit Documents?
Here’s the timeline explained in plain language:
- Enumeration Phase:
- No documents are required.
- You simply fill the enumeration form and mention details of any family member who was present in the voter roll after the last SIR.
- Draft Electoral Roll Publication:
- If the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO doubts your eligibility, you may receive a notice.
- At this stage, you must submit supportive documents to prove your eligibility.
- Special Case:
- If you cannot map any family member to the previous roll, you must submit a document upfront to establish eligibility.
This means most voters won’t need documents immediately, but if your eligibility is questioned, you must be ready with proof.
List of Documents Accepted by ECI
The Election Commission has released a detailed list of supportive documents. If you fall under the category where proof is required, here’s what you can submit:
- Identity card or Pension Payment Order issued to a Central/State Govt./PSU employee or pensioner.
- Identity card/certificate/document issued in India by Govt./local authorities/Banks/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987.
- Birth Certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Passport.
- Matriculation/Educational certificate from recognized Boards/Universities.
- Permanent Residence Certificate issued by State authority.
- Forest Right Certificate.
- OBC/SC/ST or caste certificate issued by competent authority.
- National Register of Citizens (where applicable).
- Family Register prepared by State/Local authorities.
- Land/house allotment certificate issued by Govt.
- Aadhaar Card (only as identity proof, not citizenship proof, per Supreme Court order).
- Extract of electoral roll of Bihar SIR with reference to 01.07.2025.
Aadhaar Card: Identity, Not Citizenship
One of the most asked questions is about Aadhaar. The ECI has clarified:
- Aadhaar can be used only as an identity document.
- It cannot be treated as proof of citizenship.
- If the ERO suspects a voter’s eligibility, additional documents may be required even if Aadhaar is submitted.
This follows the Supreme Court’s directive during hearings on petitions challenging the SIR exercise in Bihar earlier this year.
Why This Matters for Voters
The SIR exercise is not just bureaucratic—it directly impacts your right to vote. Missing documents or failure to respond to notices can result in your name being struck off the rolls.
For first-time voters, students, and migrants, this is especially crucial. If you cannot map a family member to the old roll, your eligibility depends entirely on the documents you provide.
Step-by-Step Guide for Voters
- Fill Enumeration Form during the initial phase.
- Check Draft Roll when published.
- Respond to Notices if your eligibility is questioned.
- Submit Documents from the approved list if required.
- Verify Final Roll to ensure your name is included.
Trending Queries Around SIR
- Is Aadhaar enough for voter eligibility? → No, it’s only identity proof.
- What if I don’t have a family member in the old roll? → Submit supportive documents.
- Can students use educational certificates? → Yes, matriculation/educational certificates are valid.
- What happens if I ignore the notice? → Your name may be removed from the voter list.
Why ECI Is Doing This Now
The ECI has faced criticism over duplicate and fake entries in voter rolls. With elections approaching, the Commission wants to ensure clean rolls that reflect genuine voters only.
By setting the baseline at 2002–2004, the Commission is essentially asking voters to prove continuity or eligibility if they cannot trace family presence in the old rolls.
✅ Final Takeaway
- Most voters don’t need documents immediately.
- Only those flagged or unable to map family members must submit proof.
- Keep your documents ready—especially birth certificates, educational certificates, or government-issued IDs.
This SIR is a once-in-decades exercise. Missing out could mean losing your voting rights in upcoming elections.
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📎 External Links
- Election Commission of India
- Wikipedia: Electoral Roll in India
- Supreme Court of India
- Quora Discussions on Voter Eligibility
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