The Centre has confirmed that Census 2027 will be held in two phases—House Listing in 2026 and Population Enumeration in 2027. The upcoming census will feature caste enumeration for the first time in 70 years and will use digital tools for data collection
Representational Image. File Pic
The Government of India has announced plans to conduct the Census in 2027, with the intent notified in the Gazette on June 16, 2025.
The census 2027 will be conducted in two phases:
- Phase I – House Listing and Housing Census, scheduled from April to September 2026
- Phase II - Population Enumeration, set for February 2027.
The Population Enumeration will reference March 1, 2027, except for certain regions like Ladakh and snow-bound areas, where it will be conducted in September 2026.
Notably, the caste enumeration will also be included in the 2027 census, as per the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs' decision on April 30, 2025.
While filing a written reply, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai asserted at Lok Sabha that "the government has decided to conduct the census in 2027. The intent of the Government for conducting the Census has been notified in the Gazette dated 16th June, 2025.”
He further added, “The Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, namely Phase I – House Listing and Housing Census from April to September 2026 in a period of 30 days, as per the convenience of the State/UT Governments, followed by Phase II – Population Enumeration (PE),” as cited by news agency ANI.
Rai also added that "Population Enumeration will be done in February 2027 with reference to March 1, 2027, except for the Union territory of Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where it will be done in September 2026 with reference date 1 October, 2026," as per ANI.
One of the key features of this census will be the inclusion of caste enumeration for the first time in over 70 years.
The Minister of State for Home further asserted that, "In Census 2027, caste enumeration will be done as decided by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs vide its decision dated 30.04.2025," as per ANI.
India’s first digital census
Census 2027 will be India's first digital census, with data collected via mobile apps, though paper schedules will also be available for those with connectivity issues. As reported by news agency ANI, a pre-test was conducted from November 10 to November 30, 2025, to test the digital platforms, survey methods, and logistics.
The latest announcement further provided administrative clarity after the 2021 census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(With inputs from ANI)
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