Political Party Registration Fees, Eligibility and Timeline

Published on: 10 Nov 2026

Political Party Registration Fees, Eligibility and Timeline. Starting a political party in India is a big step. But before a new party can take part in elections, it must apply for registration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Many people have questions about this process. How much does political party registration cost? Who can start a political party? Is there a minimum number of members? How long does the Election Commission take to complete the registration? In this article, we explain the fees, eligibility rules and registration timeline in simple words. We also explain the costs you may need to pay and the common reasons that can delay an application.

Read our guide on How to Register a Political Party in India , which explains the steps involved in registering a new political party.

Political Party Registration Fees in India
The official application fee for Political Party Registration in India is Rs 10,000. The applicant must pay this amount through a Demand Draft in favour of the Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi.
This fee is non-refundable. It means the amount will not be returned even if the Election Commission does not approve the application.
Apart from the official fee, you may also need to spend money on preparing documents, getting affidavits, printing papers and publishing public notices in newspapers. These costs depend on the work involved and the service providers you choose.
Other Costs You May Need to Pay

Expense

Why You May Need It

Application fee

Rs 10,000 payable to the Election Commission of India

Affidavits

Members and office-bearers may need to submit affidavits

Newspaper publication

The proposed party name must be published in newspapers

Printing and photocopies

For preparing and submitting application papers

Document preparation

For preparing the party constitution and other records

The Rs 10,000 application fee is fixed under the ECI guidelines. Other expenses are not fixed and may change from one application to another.
Who Is Eligible for Political Party Registration in India?

An association or group of Indian citizens can apply to register a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
However, simply forming a group and choosing a party name is not enough. The group must meet the conditions set by the Election Commission of India.
Some important eligibility conditions are:

The party must be formed by an association or group of individual Indian citizens.
Membership must be open to adult Indian citizens who are 18 years of age or older.
The party must have a clear name that is different from existing political parties.
The party must prepare a written constitution with its rules and working system.
The constitution must explain how the party will choose its leaders and conduct internal elections.
The party must follow the Constitution of India and the conditions given under Section 29A(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The party must provide the required details of its members, office-bearers and office address.

The Election Commission also checks whether the proposed party name follows its guidelines. A name that creates confusion with an existing party or suggests a religious or caste-based identity may face objections.
Is There a Minimum Number of Members Required?
One common question is whether at least 100 people are needed to start a political party in India.
The Election Commission's registration guidelines require the applicant to submit voter records and individual affidavits for at least 100 members. These records help the ECI check whether the people supporting the application are genuine Indian voters. This does not mean that the law simply sets 100 as the total membership limit for every political party. The application must also mention the party's total membership strength and provide the details asked for by the Election Commission.
The applicant should arrange the voter details and affidavits carefully. Missing or incorrect member information can delay the registration process.
What Are the Main Eligibility Conditions for Party Members?
The people included in the application must meet the conditions set by the Election Commission. The applicant should check the following details before submitting the papers:

Members should be Indian citizens.
Members must be at least 18 years old.
Their voter details should match the records available with the election authorities.
The required member affidavits must be properly prepared and signed.
The details of the party's main office-bearers must be correct.

It is important to check names, addresses and voter details before submitting the application. Even a small mistake in these records can lead to questions from the Election Commission.
Political Party Registration Timeline in India
There is no fixed final approval period for every Political Party Registration application. The time taken depends on the application, documents, public notice process and any questions raised by the Election Commission.
However, applicants must follow certain important deadlines.
The first major deadline is the application deadline. A new political party must submit its registration application to the Election Commission within 30 days from the date of its formation. An application submitted after this period is treated as time-barred under the normal process.
After receiving a complete application, the Election Commission's guidelines provide for an acknowledgement within two weeks. This acknowledgement does not mean that the party has been approved. It only confirms that the application has been received.

Before submitting the application , make sure you have all the required papers ready. Read our guide on Documents Required for Political Party Registration in India to understand which documents and affidavits you need to prepare.

Important Stages in the Registration Process

Stage

What Happens

Party formation

Members form the political party and decide its name and rules

Document preparation

The constitution, member records, affidavits and other papers are prepared

Application submission

The application is submitted within 30 days of party formation

Application acknowledgement

ECI guidelines provide for acknowledgement within two weeks of receiving a duly completed application

Public notice

The proposed party name is published in newspapers

Objection period

People can raise objections within 30 days of the newspaper publication

ECI review

The Election Commission examines the application and related information

Final decision

The Election Commission communicates its decision

Note : The actual time can be longer if the application has missing documents, incorrect details or objections from the public.
Why Does the Election Commission Publish a Party Name in Newspapers?
Newspaper publication is an important part of the registration process. The Election Commission gives the public an opportunity to raise objections to the proposed name of a new political party. The proposed party name must be published in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers on two days. People can submit objections within 30 days from the date of publication.
For example, suppose a group wants to register a party called the People's Development Party. If another person or organisation believes that the proposed name is misleading or creates confusion with an existing party, they can raise an objection during the notice period.
The Election Commission considers the application and any objections before making its decision.
What Can Delay Political Party Registration?

A political party may face delays if its application is incomplete or does not follow the ECI guidelines. Applicants should check every document before submission.
Some common reasons for delay include:

Common Reason

Explanation

Incorrect member details

Names, addresses or voter details do not match official records.

Missing affidavits

Required affidavits from members or office-bearers are not submitted.

Incomplete party constitution

Important rules about membership, internal elections or the party's aims are missing.

Unclear party name

The proposed name is similar to an existing party or does not follow ECI guidelines.

Incomplete office details

Office address proof or permission from the property owner is missing.

Public objections

Someone raises an objection to the proposed party name during the public notice period.

Late application

The application is submitted after 30 days from the date of party formation.

Applicants should check all documents before submitting the application. Preparing correct papers from the beginning can help avoid unnecessary questions and delays.
Example: Understanding the Fees and Timeline
Suppose a group of 140 Indian citizens decides to start a new political party. They choose a name, prepare a party constitution and select their office-bearers. Before applying, the group arranges the voter details and affidavits required for at least 100 members. It also prepares the office address proof, leader details and other papers.
The group then pays the official application fee of Rs 10,000 and submits its application to the Election Commission within 30 days of forming the party. After receiving a duly completed application, the ECI acknowledges it. The group then follows the public notice process, during which people can raise objections to the proposed party name within the given period.
If the documents are complete and there are no issues that require further clarification, the application can move ahead for consideration. However, the group cannot assume that registration will be completed within a fixed number of days. The final decision depends on the Election Commission.
This example shows why applicants should plan their documents, expenses and deadlines before starting the registration process.
How Can You Check the Status of Political Party Registration?
Applicants can use the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) to check the progress of their application.
The system helps applicants follow the status of their registration request. The Election Commission may also send updates through SMS or email when the applicant has provided the required contact details. Keep your application details and registered contact information safe. Check your messages and emails regularly so that you do not miss any communication from the Election Commission.
If the ECI asks for additional information or clarification, respond within the time given.
How Can Compliance Calendar LLP Help With Political Party Registration?
Registering a political party involves more than paying the application fee. Applicants must prepare a party constitution, collect member details, arrange affidavits, check the proposed name and submit the required documents within the given time.
Compliance Calendar LLP assists applicants with the Political Party Registration process. Our team can help you understand the ECI requirements, prepare and review documents, organise member and office-bearer details, and guide you through the application process.
We can also help you understand the public notice requirements and follow up on the application. The final decision to approve or reject the registration rests with the Election Commission of India.

Need help with Political Party Registration? Contact Compliance Calendar at +91 9988424211 or info@ccoffice.in for expert assistance with the registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the government fee for Political Party Registration in India?
The official application fee is Rs 10,000. It must be paid through a Demand Draft in favour of the Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi. The fee is non-refundable.
2. Can an ordinary Indian citizen start a political party?
Yes. A group or association of Indian citizens can apply to register a political party if it meets the conditions under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
3. Is a minimum of 100 members required for Political Party Registration?
The ECI guidelines require voter records and individual affidavits for at least 100 members. Applicants must also provide the party's total membership details.
4. What is the age requirement for political party members?
Membership must be open to adult Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old.
5. How many days are allowed to apply for Political Party Registration?
The application must be submitted within 30 days from the date the political party is formed. An application submitted after this period is time-barred under the normal process.
6. How long does Political Party Registration take in India?
There is no fixed final approval period for every application. The time depends on document checks, public notices, objections and the Election Commission's review.
7. Is the Rs 10,000 registration fee refundable?
No. The Rs 10,000 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is not approved.
8. Why is newspaper publication required for a new political party?
Newspaper publication gives the public a chance to raise objections to the proposed party name. The notice is published in two national and two local daily newspapers on two days.
9. Can the Election Commission reject a political party registration application?
Yes. The Election Commission can reject an application if the party does not meet the required conditions or if the application has issues that cannot be accepted under the law and guidelines.
10. Can Compliance Calendar help with Political Party Registration?
Yes. Compliance Calendar LLP can assist with understanding the process, preparing the party constitution, organising documents and guiding applicants through the registration steps. The final approval is given only by the Election Commission of India.

Starting a political party in India is a big step. But before a new party can take part in elections, it must apply for registration with the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Many people have questions about this process. How much does political party registration cost? Who can start a political party? Is there a minimum number of members? How long does the Election Commission take to complete the registration? In this article, we explain the fees, eligibility rules and registration timeline in simple words. We also explain the costs you may need to pay and the common reasons that can delay an application.

Read our guide on How to Register a Political Party in India , which explains the steps involved in registering a new political party.

Political Party Registration Fees in India

The official application fee for Political Party Registration in India is Rs 10,000. The applicant must pay this amount through a Demand Draft in favour of the Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi.

This fee is non-refundable. It means the amount will not be returned even if the Election Commission does not approve the application.

Apart from the official fee, you may also need to spend money on preparing documents, getting affidavits, printing papers and publishing public notices in newspapers. These costs depend on the work involved and the service providers you choose.

Other Costs You May Need to Pay

Expense	Why You May Need It
Application fee	Rs 10,000 payable to the Election Commission of India
Affidavits	Members and office-bearers may need to submit affidavits
Newspaper publication	The proposed party name must be published in newspapers
Printing and photocopies	For preparing and submitting application papers
Document preparation	For preparing the party constitution and other records

The Rs 10,000 application fee is fixed under the ECI guidelines. Other expenses are not fixed and may change from one application to another.

Who Is Eligible for Political Party Registration in India?

An association or group of Indian citizens can apply to register a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

However, simply forming a group and choosing a party name is not enough. The group must meet the conditions set by the Election Commission of India.

Some important eligibility conditions are:

The party must be formed by an association or group of individual Indian citizens.
Membership must be open to adult Indian citizens who are 18 years of age or older.
The party must have a clear name that is different from existing political parties.
The party must prepare a written constitution with its rules and working system.
The constitution must explain how the party will choose its leaders and conduct internal elections.
The party must follow the Constitution of India and the conditions given under Section 29A(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The party must provide the required details of its members, office-bearers and office address.

Is There a Minimum Number of Members Required?

One common question is whether at least 100 people are needed to start a political party in India.

The Election Commission's registration guidelines require the applicant to submit voter records and individual affidavits for at least 100 members. These records help the ECI check whether the people supporting the application are genuine Indian voters. This does not mean that the law simply sets 100 as the total membership limit for every political party. The application must also mention the party's total membership strength and provide the details asked for by the Election Commission.

The applicant should arrange the voter details and affidavits carefully. Missing or incorrect member information can delay the registration process.

What Are the Main Eligibility Conditions for Party Members?

The people included in the application must meet the conditions set by the Election Commission. The applicant should check the following details before submitting the papers:

Members should be Indian citizens.
Members must be at least 18 years old.
Their voter details should match the records available with the election authorities.
The required member affidavits must be properly prepared and signed.
The details of the party's main office-bearers must be correct.

It is important to check names, addresses and voter details before submitting the application. Even a small mistake in these records can lead to questions from the Election Commission.

Political Party Registration Timeline in India

There is no fixed final approval period for every Political Party Registration application. The time taken depends on the application, documents, public notice process and any questions raised by the Election Commission.

However, applicants must follow certain important deadlines.

The first major deadline is the application deadline. A new political party must submit its registration application to the Election Commission within 30 days from the date of its formation. An application submitted after this period is treated as time-barred under the normal process.

After receiving a complete application, the Election Commission's guidelines provide for an acknowledgement within two weeks. This acknowledgement does not mean that the party has been approved. It only confirms that the application has been received.

Before submitting the application , make sure you have all the required papers ready. Read our guide on Documents Required for Political Party Registration in India to understand which documents and affidavits you need to prepare.

Important Stages in the Registration Process

Stage	What Happens
Party formation	Members form the political party and decide its name and rules
Document preparation	The constitution, member records, affidavits and other papers are prepared
Application submission	The application is submitted within 30 days of party formation
Application acknowledgement	ECI guidelines provide for acknowledgement within two weeks of receiving a duly completed application
Public notice	The proposed party name is published in newspapers
Objection period	People can raise objections within 30 days of the newspaper publication
ECI review	The Election Commission examines the application and related information
Final decision	The Election Commission communicates its decision

Note : The actual time can be longer if the application has missing documents, incorrect details or objections from the public.

Why Does the Election Commission Publish a Party Name in Newspapers?

Newspaper publication is an important part of the registration process. The Election Commission gives the public an opportunity to raise objections to the proposed name of a new political party. The proposed party name must be published in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers on two days. People can submit objections within 30 days from the date of publication.

For example, suppose a group wants to register a party called the People's Development Party. If another person or organisation believes that the proposed name is misleading or creates confusion with an existing party, they can raise an objection during the notice period.

The Election Commission considers the application and any objections before making its decision.

What Can Delay Political Party Registration?

A political party may face delays if its application is incomplete or does not follow the ECI guidelines. Applicants should check every document before submission.

Some common reasons for delay include:

Common Reason	Explanation
Incorrect member details	Names, addresses or voter details do not match official records.
Missing affidavits	Required affidavits from members or office-bearers are not submitted.
Incomplete party constitution	Important rules about membership, internal elections or the party's aims are missing.
Unclear party name	The proposed name is similar to an existing party or does not follow ECI guidelines.
Incomplete office details	Office address proof or permission from the property owner is missing.
Public objections	Someone raises an objection to the proposed party name during the public notice period.
Late application	The application is submitted after 30 days from the date of party formation.

Applicants should check all documents before submitting the application. Preparing correct papers from the beginning can help avoid unnecessary questions and delays.

Example: Understanding the Fees and Timeline

Suppose a group of 140 Indian citizens decides to start a new political party. They choose a name, prepare a party constitution and select their office-bearers. Before applying, the group arranges the voter details and affidavits required for at least 100 members. It also prepares the office address proof, leader details and other papers.

The group then pays the official application fee of Rs 10,000 and submits its application to the Election Commission within 30 days of forming the party. After receiving a duly completed application, the ECI acknowledges it. The group then follows the public notice process, during which people can raise objections to the proposed party name within the given period.

If the documents are complete and there are no issues that require further clarification, the application can move ahead for consideration. However, the group cannot assume that registration will be completed within a fixed number of days. The final decision depends on the Election Commission.

This example shows why applicants should plan their documents, expenses and deadlines before starting the registration process.

How Can You Check the Status of Political Party Registration?

Applicants can use the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS) to check the progress of their application.

The system helps applicants follow the status of their registration request. The Election Commission may also send updates through SMS or email when the applicant has provided the required contact details. Keep your application details and registered contact information safe. Check your messages and emails regularly so that you do not miss any communication from the Election Commission.

If the ECI asks for additional information or clarification, respond within the time given.

How Can Compliance Calendar LLP Help With Political Party Registration?

Registering a political party involves more than paying the application fee. Applicants must prepare a party constitution, collect member details, arrange affidavits, check the proposed name and submit the required documents within the given time.

Compliance Calendar LLP assists applicants with the Political Party Registration process. Our team can help you understand the ECI requirements, prepare and review documents, organise member and office-bearer details, and guide you through the application process.

We can also help you understand the public notice requirements and follow up on the application. The final decision to approve or reject the registration rests with the Election Commission of India.

Need help with Political Party Registration? Contact Compliance Calendar at +91 9988424211 or info@ccoffice.in for expert assistance with the registration process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the government fee for Political Party Registration in India?

The official application fee is Rs 10,000. It must be paid through a Demand Draft in favour of the Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, New Delhi. The fee is non-refundable.

2. Can an ordinary Indian citizen start a political party?

Yes. A group or association of Indian citizens can apply to register a political party if it meets the conditions under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

3. Is a minimum of 100 members required for Political Party Registration?

The ECI guidelines require voter records and individual affidavits for at least 100 members. Applicants must also provide the party's total membership details.

4. What is the age requirement for political party members?

Membership must be open to adult Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old.

5. How many days are allowed to apply for Political Party Registration?

The application must be submitted within 30 days from the date the political party is formed. An application submitted after this period is time-barred under the normal process.

6. How long does Political Party Registration take in India?

There is no fixed final approval period for every application. The time depends on document checks, public notices, objections and the Election Commission's review.

7. Is the Rs 10,000 registration fee refundable?

No. The Rs 10,000 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is not approved.

8. Why is newspaper publication required for a new political party?

Newspaper publication gives the public a chance to raise objections to the proposed party name. The notice is published in two national and two local daily newspapers on two days.

9. Can the Election Commission reject a political party registration application?

Yes. The Election Commission can reject an application if the party does not meet the required conditions or if the application has issues that cannot be accepted under the law and guidelines.

10. Can Compliance Calendar help with Political Party Registration?

Yes. Compliance Calendar LLP can assist with understanding the process, preparing the party constitution, organising documents and guiding applicants through the registration steps. The final approval is given only by the Election Commission of India.

Article last updated on : 10 Nov 2026.