Census 2027: India Sets the Stage for a Landmark Digital Population Count

India is preparing to undertake one of the most significant administrative exercises in its history with the launch of Census 2027, a long-awaited national population count that comes after a 16-year gap. The Union government has officially notified the schedule for the first phase of the census, signalling the beginning of a comprehensive process that will shape governance, policy formulation and resource allocation for the next decade.

The upcoming census assumes added importance as it marks India’s transition toward a fully digital census framework, a first in the country’s history.

The government earlier said that Census 2027 will include electronic collection of caste data during the population enumeration phase | Moneycontrol

First Phase to Begin in 2026

The first phase of Census 2027, known as the Houselisting and Housing Census, will be conducted between April 1 and September 30, 2026. During this six-month window, each state and Union Territory will choose a specific 30-day period to carry out the exercise.

This phase focuses on mapping all residential structures and collecting data related to housing conditions and basic amenities. The information gathered during houselisting forms the backbone for the second phase by creating a reliable and updated sampling frame for population enumeration.

In snow-bound and difficult-to-access regions such as Ladakh and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the houselisting exercise is scheduled to take place later, around October 2026, to account for climatic challenges.

What the Houselisting Phase Will Cover

The houselisting and housing census will document details about residential buildings, household size, type of dwelling, construction materials, access to drinking water, sanitation, electricity, kitchen facilities and other essential household amenities. This data is crucial for understanding living standards, urbanisation trends and infrastructure gaps across rural and urban India.

By capturing this information ahead of population enumeration, the government aims to improve data accuracy and reduce logistical challenges during the second phase of the census.

A Fully Digital Census for the First Time

Census 2027 will be a technology-driven exercise, marking a departure from traditional paper-based enumeration. Enumerators will use mobile applications to collect data, while a centralised Census Management and Monitoring System will allow real-time supervision and quality checks.

For the first time, citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration, enabling households to submit their information digitally during a short window before enumerators begin door-to-door visits. This move is expected to improve participation, reduce enumeration errors and speed up data processing.

The digital shift is designed to make the census more transparent, efficient and resilient, especially in a country of India’s scale and diversity.

Population Enumeration in 2027

The second phase of Census 2027, known as Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. This stage will involve collecting detailed demographic, social and economic information about every individual in the country.

Importantly, this phase is also expected to include caste enumeration, a development that has drawn significant public and political attention. If implemented as planned, it would be the first comprehensive caste count conducted through the census since Independence.

Why Census 2027 Matters

India’s last census was conducted in 2011, and the 2021 exercise was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, policymakers have been relying on outdated demographic data for years. Updated census figures are essential for effective governance, as they influence parliamentary constituency delimitation, welfare schemes, infrastructure planning, public health strategies and education policies.

Several states have already frozen administrative boundary changes to ensure consistency and accuracy in census operations, highlighting the scale of preparation underway.

The MGMM Outlook

Census 2027 marks a major milestone in India’s administrative and demographic journey, resuming after a 16-year gap. The exercise begins with the Houselisting and Housing Census, set for April to September 2026, focusing on mapping residential structures and collecting detailed data on household amenities, living conditions, and infrastructure access. This foundational phase is critical for creating an accurate sampling frame for the full population enumeration scheduled for February 2027. In challenging terrains like Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, adjustments in timing reflect the scale and complexity of the operation, ensuring that even remote regions are properly accounted for.

The upcoming census is set to be India’s first fully digital exercise, with mobile-based data collection, real-time monitoring, and self-enumeration options for households. This shift is expected to enhance accuracy, transparency, and efficiency while reducing delays and errors inherent in traditional paper-based approaches. Beyond demographic counts, Census 2027 is anticipated to include caste enumeration, which has not been conducted comprehensively since Independence, and will provide crucial data for governance, policy-making, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. With India relying on outdated 2011 figures, this census offers an essential opportunity to guide planning and resource allocation for the next decade.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, Times of India, LiveMint)