Census 2027: Official Process Begins As Centre Issues Notification; 1st Population Count Since 2011
New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Monday officially announced the commencement of the long-awaited population census, the country’s first since 2011. The upcoming Census 2027 will be conducted in two distinct phases, the first beginning on October 1, 2026 and the second on March 1, 2027.
In a formal notification issued by the ministry, the government set in motion the census process after a gap of over 15 years. The last nationwide enumeration exercise was carried out in 2011, with the 2021 census having been repeatedly postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other logistical challenges.
Details On 2027 Census
The first phase of the census, starting October 1, 2026, will primarily focus on house listing and housing data, while the second phase, beginning March 1, 2027, will cover the population enumeration. This two-stage approach is designed to ensure comprehensive coverage and accurate data collection across the country.
According to the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the reference date for the census will be March 1, 2027, across most of the country. However, in snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date has been set earlier, October 1, 2026, to accommodate weather-related logistical challenges.
Self-Enumeration Facility To Be Introduced
The census will be conducted by an estimated 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, supported by 1.3 lakh census functionaries equipped with digital devices. This shift towards digital data collection is expected to streamline the process, improve accuracy, and reduce manual errors. Additionally, a self-enumeration facility will be made available, allowing citizens to voluntarily submit their data through online platforms.
In line with the government’s evolving approach to inclusivity and transparency, this edition of the census will feature caste enumeration, a significant and politically sensitive addition that many states have been demanding. This move is expected to offer detailed insights into the socio-economic composition of India's population and guide future policies and affirmative action initiatives.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reviewed the preparedness for the census in a high-level meeting with Home Secretary, Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, and other senior officials. During the meeting, strict directives were issued to ensure robust data security protocols at every stage. from collection and transmission to storage.
The census will take place in two major phases:
Phase 1 – House Listing Operations (HLO): This will involve the collection of data on housing conditions, household assets, and amenities.
Phase 2 – Population Enumeration (PE): This phase will gather information on demographic, economic, social, and cultural attributes of every individual.
This marks the 16th national census since the first in 1872, and the eighth since Independence.
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