Counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry commenced at 8 am on Monday, with postal ballots being taken up first, followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Early trends are expected to emerge by noon.
The Election Commission said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and transparent counting process.
Counting is underway for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Kerala, 234 in Tamil Nadu and 30 in Puducherry.
In West Bengal, counting is underway for 293 of the 294 Assembly constituencies after the Election Commission of India on Saturday ordered a re-poll in the Falta seat in South 24 Parganas district on May 21. The result for that constituency will be declared on May 24.
