India’s Census 2027: First Phase to Begin April 1 with Comprehensive 33-Question Survey

India is preparing for its Census 2027, the country’s next decennial population and housing count, with the first phase set to begin on April 1, 2026. This phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census, will lay the groundwork for a nationwide enumeration, capturing critical data on housing, amenities, and household composition. The exercise is expected to provide updated demographic and socio-economic information after a gap of over a decade since the 2011 Census.

The much-delayed 16th census will be completed in two phases by March 1, 2027. (Representational Photo/HT) | Hindustan Times

First Phase: Nationwide House Listing and Housing Survey

The first phase of Census 2027 will be conducted over a 30-day period, which each state and union territory will schedule between April 1 and September 30, 2026. Census enumerators will visit households across India to collect detailed information about the physical and functional characteristics of homes, household structure, and socio-economic conditions.

In a gazette notification, the Registrar General of India, Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, outlined a 33-question survey that will be administered to every household. The questions have been designed to collect comprehensive information on housing status, facilities available, household assets, and patterns of consumption, reflecting the evolving lifestyles and infrastructure needs of modern India.

Coverage of the 33-Question Census Survey

The questionnaire for the first phase goes beyond traditional housing data, incorporating questions that gauge modern amenities, digital connectivity, and consumption habits. Enumerators will record information about the ownership and use of the dwelling, the construction materials of walls, roofs, and floors, and the number of rooms. Details about the head of the household, including sex and social category, will also be collected to provide insights into India’s diverse social fabric.

Additionally, the survey will capture access to basic facilities such as drinking water, sanitation, and cooking arrangements. It will also include information about modern assets including televisions, radios, vehicles, mobile phones, and internet connectivity. Households will provide details of the main cereal consumed, as well as a mobile number for communication purposes, ensuring efficient coordination between enumerators and citizens.

Digital Transformation of the Census

Census 2027 is being positioned as India’s first fully digital census. Enumerators will use mobile applications to collect data, which will be uploaded in real time to central databases. Citizens will also have the opportunity to self-enumerate during a 15-day period prior to house-to-house visits in their areas. This approach is expected to enhance data accuracy, speed, and security, while reducing logistical challenges associated with paper-based enumeration.

Officials have stated that around 30 lakh enumerators will be deployed nationwide, each receiving extensive training to ensure a smooth and effective data collection process. The integration of digital tools marks a significant shift toward technology-driven governance and policy planning in India.

Population Enumeration: The Next Step

The first phase focuses on household-level data, setting the stage for the population enumeration phase, scheduled for February 2027. This second phase will gather detailed individual data, including age, sex, education, occupation, religion, mother tongue, migration status, and disability. Together, the two phases will provide a comprehensive snapshot of India’s demographic and socio-economic landscape.

This information is crucial for governments at all levels to plan public services, allocate funding, design welfare schemes, and monitor social progress. Outdated 2011 figures have made it difficult to address rapid urbanization, labor market changes, and social disparities, highlighting the importance of a timely and accurate census.

The MGMM Outlook

India is gearing up for Census 2027, with the first phase—the House Listing and Housing Census—scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026. This initial survey will cover all households nationwide over a 30-day period and collect data through a detailed 33-question questionnaire. Beyond traditional housing details, the survey aims to capture modern amenities, digital connectivity, household assets, and consumption patterns. Information on access to drinking water, sanitation, cooking arrangements, and ownership of devices like mobile phones, vehicles, and internet connectivity will also be recorded. This extensive exercise reflects India’s evolving socio-economic landscape and the need for updated, accurate data to support governance and development planning.

Census 2027 will mark India’s first fully digital enumeration, with mobile applications enabling real-time data collection and opportunities for citizens to self-enumerate before house-to-house visits. Approximately 30 lakh trained enumerators will be deployed to ensure a smooth data collection process. The first phase focusing on household-level information will set the stage for the second phase in February 2027, which will gather detailed individual-level data such as age, education, occupation, religion, and migration status. By integrating technology with comprehensive surveys, the census is expected to deliver precise, timely insights into India’s demographic and socio-economic dynamics, offering a crucial foundation for informed policy-making and public administration.

(Sources: Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, OpIndia)