Exit Polls Explained: How they work and how Accurate are they? A comprehensive guide

An exit poll is a type of electoral survey formulated based on interactions with voters. Immediately after voting takes place in an election, survey agencies-or reporters from news channels-approach voters to gauge their sentiments.

Post Published By: Sujata Biswal

Updated : 29 April 2026, 7:00 PM IST

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New Delhi: With the conclusion of the second phase of voting in West Bengal today, exit polls are set to begin airing on television channels. Various channels, in collaboration with different survey agencies, will broadcast their respective exit poll projections.

Through exit polls, survey agencies present predictions regarding electoral victories and defeats in poll-bound states, based on surveys conducted through interactions with voters. However, it has often been observed that exit poll predictions and actual election results can sometimes be diametrically opposed. Conversely, there are also instances where exit polls prove to be either very close to, or entirely accurate regarding, the actual election outcomes.

Now, a question might be crossing your mind: what exactly is an exit poll? How is it prepared, and who conducts it?

What is an Exit Poll?
To clarify, an exit poll is a type of electoral survey formulated based on interactions with voters. Immediately after voting takes place in an election, survey agencies-or reporters from news channels-approach voters to gauge their sentiments. They attempt to do this by asking questions regarding their political preferences, dislikes, key issues, and the specific factors they focused on while casting their vote.

The data compiled on the basis of these interactions is then presented in the form of an exit poll. These predictions sometimes prove to be accurate, while at other times, they turn out to be incorrect.

What is the Sample Size?
Exit polls involve surveying a sample of voters, the size of which can range anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 individuals. Frequently, data is compiled based on interactions with voters at specific polling booths across various Legislative Assembly or Lok Sabha constituencies. This data is subsequently presented once the voting process has concluded.

When Will Exit Polls Be Released?
According to the Election Commission, survey agencies will be permitted to broadcast exit polls this time only after 6:30 PM on April 29. The Election Commission has imposed a ban on the broadcasting of exit polls prior to the designated time.