Upsarpanch Election: Who Votes, How It Happens and What Powers
The village chooses the sarpanch; the very next day the new panchs choose the upsarpanch. Here are the 2026 dates, the four-step process and what the deputy can actually do.
DatesUpsarpanch Election Date 2026: Phase-Wise
| Phase | Sarpanch and panch poll | Upsarpanch election |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 24 Oct 2026 | 25 Oct 2026 (held) |
| Phase 2 | 30 Oct 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 |
| Phase 3 | 5 Nov 2026 | 6 Nov 2026 |
| Phase 4 | 16 Nov 2026 | 17 Nov 2026 |
ProcessHow the Upsarpanch Election Happens: 4 Steps
- 1
📣 Meeting notice
The Returning Officer calls a meeting of the newly elected panchs and the sarpanch at the panchayat office, usually the morning after the poll.
- 2
✍️ Nomination from among the panchs
Only an elected ward panch can stand for upsarpanch; a proposer and seconder from the members sign the nomination.
- 3
🗳️ Secret ballot
If more than one panch stands, members vote by secret ballot. The elected panchs and the sarpanch are the voters.
- 4
🧮 Count and declare
Votes are counted at once and the Returning Officer declares the upsarpanch. A tie is settled by draw of lots.
PowersUpsarpanch Powers and Duties
Acting sarpanch
When the sarpanch's post is vacant, or the sarpanch is suspended or away, the upsarpanch performs the sarpanch's functions under the State Act.
Presides in absence
Chairs panchayat meetings when the sarpanch is absent.
Still a ward panch
Keeps the vote and duties of a ward panch for his or her own ward.
Can be removed
A no-confidence motion under Section 37 of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act also covers the upsarpanch.
The lawUpsarpanch and Article 243C(5)
243C. (5) The Chairperson of— (a) a Panchayat at the village level shall be elected in such manner as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide; and (b) a Panchayat at the intermediate level or district level shall be elected by, and from amongst, the elected members thereof.
The Constitution says nothing about a deputy. Article 243C(5) leaves the manner of electing the village chairperson to the State, and the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 adds a deputy (upsarpanch) chosen by the members. So the sarpanch is chosen by the whole village, the upsarpanch only by the elected members.
🏠 Everyday analogy
Like a cricket team: the fans vote for the captain, but the players themselves pick the vice-captain from the playing eleven.
🇮🇳 Real Indian example
Suppose a panchayat has 11 wards. The 11 new panchs and the sarpanch (12 voters) meet the next morning; panch Sunita gets 7 votes and becomes upsarpanch.
ConstitutionUpsarpanch and the Constitution
Article 40: Village panchayats
A deputy keeps the panchayat working when the head is away, so self-government does not stop.
Article 15(3): Women in office
Half the ward seats in Rajasthan are reserved for women, so many upsarpanchs are women panchs.
Rajasthan Panchayat Chunav 2026All Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026 Guides in One Place
🏛️ The Constitution behind your Panchayat: learn it here
Practice MCQTest Yourself: Panchayat Office-bearers
In Rajasthan, the upsarpanch of a gram panchayat is elected by:
Doubts ClearedFrequently Asked Questions
When is the upsarpanch election in Rajasthan 2026?
The day after each sarpanch phase: 25 October, 31 October, 6 November and 17 November 2026.
Who can become upsarpanch?
Only an elected ward panch of that gram panchayat.
Does the sarpanch vote in the upsarpanch election?
Yes, the sarpanch votes along with the elected panchs, as the Rajasthan rules provide.
What does an upsarpanch do?
Acts as sarpanch when that post is vacant or the sarpanch is absent or suspended, and chairs meetings in the sarpanch's absence.
Sources and further readingSources We Checked
Facts checked on 27 October 2026 against the State Election Commission's programme as reported and the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Check your panchayat's notice for the exact time.