📝 India Population Census 2027

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The Census of India 2027 will be the 16th national Census and the 8th since Independence.1 It marks a significant departure from previous exercises due to its digital nature and the inclusion of comprehensive caste enumeration.2

1. Key Features

  • First Digital Census: Data will be collected primarily using a mobile application (Android and iOS) by field functionaries.
  • Self-Enumeration: The public will have an option to digitally fill in their own details.
  • Real-time Monitoring: A dedicated Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal will track the entire process in real time.
  • Legal Framework: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Workforce: Approximately 30 lakh field functionaries (mostly government teachers) will be deployed.
  • Data Delivery: Introduction of ‘Census-as-a-Service (CaaS)’ to deliver clean, machine-readable, and actionable data to ministries.

2. Two-Phase Conduct and Schedule

The Census will be conducted in two distinct phases across the country.

PhaseActivityScheduled Period
Phase IHouselisting and Housing CensusApril – September 2026
Phase IIPopulation Enumeration (PE)February 2027

Note on Snow-Bound Areas: For non-synchronous, snow-bound regions like Ladakh, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Population Enumeration (Phase II) will be conducted earlier, in September 2026.12

3. Caste Enumeration

  • Significant Inclusion: For the first time since 1931, the Census will include a comprehensive enumeration of all castes (beyond only Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)).
  • Timing: Caste data will be captured electronically during the Population Enumeration (Phase II).14
  • Purpose: The decision is aimed at generating accurate data for all communities, particularly Other Backwards Classes (OBCs), to ensure better representation, targeted policy-making, and fair allocation of resources for socio-economic development.

4. Data Collected (Parameters)

The Census collects micro-level data on various socio-economic and demographic parameters, including:

  • Housing Condition, Amenities, and Assets
  • Demography
  • Religion
  • SC & ST Status
  • Language and Literacy
  • Education Level
  • Economic Activity and Employment Status
  • Migration
  • Fertility (for females)
  • Caste (New addition for all communities)

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