The country's independent Election Commission announced the decision on Monday in the capital, Delhi.

The four states - Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi - are all governed by the main opposition Congress Party.

The polls are being seen as a key test for India's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of general elections due next year.

India's chief election commissioner, JM Lyngdoh, said polling in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh would take place on 1 December.

Votes will be counted on 4 December.

He also said voting in the north-eastern state of Mizoram will be held on 20 November, and the counting there will begin on 2 December.

Litmus test

Correspondents say the Congress is likely to face a tough challenge from the BJP in the elections which are likely to determine the strategy adopted in the general elections.

The BJP hopes to make gains on the back of a booming economy and the anti-incumbency factor.

Congress, on the other hand, is hoping to persuade voters by pointing to its record in office.

Mr Lyngdoh also said the Election Commission had made arrangements to eliminate voter fraud as well as prevent candidates with criminal backgrounds from contesting.

In recent years, a number of politicians facing criminal charges including kidnapping and murder have been elected to parliament and state legislative assemblies.