New Delhi: The first phase of India’s Census 2027, comprising house-listing operations, is scheduled to take place from April 1 to September 30 across all states and Union territories. Each state and UT will conduct the 30-day exercise within this timeframe, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
For the first time, an option for self-enumeration will also be available, allowing households to submit their details over a 15-day period just prior to the formal house-to-house listing. This marks a shift towards greater flexibility and digital engagement in the decadal census process.
Originally planned for 2021, the census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases: the initial house-listing and housing census from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027. The house-listing phase aims to systematically record all structures, houses, and households, providing a comprehensive framework for accurate population enumeration.
Significantly, the 2027 Census will also capture caste data electronically during the population enumeration phase. Caste has not been included in national censuses since Independence, with the last comprehensive count conducted during the British era between 1881 and 1931. The decision to reintroduce caste enumeration was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in April 2025.
The Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital exercise, carried out by approximately 30 lakh enumerators using mobile applications available for both Android and iOS devices. Officials anticipate that this digital approach will enhance the quality and accuracy of data collection.
As per the 2011 Census, India’s population stood at 1.21 billion, with 623.72 million males (51.54 percent) and 586.46 million females (48.46 percent). The upcoming census will provide updated demographic, social, and economic data, forming the basis for policy planning and governance over the next decade.
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