Symbols and recognition
Party Symbol Allotment: Free Symbols and Reserved Symbols Explained
Party symbols are governed by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This guide explains the difference between free and reserved symbols, and how a newly registered party can secure a symbol at the time of contesting elections.
Free symbols for registered unrecognised parties
A registered unrecognised political party — the status every new party begins with — may request a free symbol at the time of contesting an election. The Commission publishes the list of free symbols before each general or bye-election.
Candidates of the party may all use the same free symbol if the party files an intimation with the Returning Officer at least three days before the last date for nominations.
Track where your application stands: Check registration status. Ready to file? Book a consultation.
Reserved symbols for recognised parties
A recognised state or national party is entitled to a reserved symbol that is exclusive to it and its candidates. Recognition depends on vote-share and seats-won thresholds in general elections to the Lok Sabha or a Legislative Assembly.
A party that loses recognition retains its reserved symbol under the Commission's guidelines until the next review.
Symbol preference and rejection grounds
A party may propose up to three symbol preferences at the time of registration, but the Commission is not bound to accept them. Symbols that resemble religious or national emblems, that infringe an existing reserved symbol, or that are prescribed as free symbols for another party are rejected.
Frequently asked
- Does a new party get a permanent symbol on registration?
- No. Only recognised parties get reserved symbols. A newly registered party gets a free symbol on a per-election basis until recognition is granted.
- Can two registered parties share the same free symbol in the same state?
- No. Once a free symbol is allotted for an election, it is not allotted to another party for that election in the same state.