New Delhi, India | April 1, 2026
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| Enumerators collect household and demographic information in urban areas as part of the housing and population census process. |
India’s Largest Census Goes Digital
The Government of India has announced that Census 2027 will be conducted as a fully digital exercise, marking a major shift from traditional methods used in previous decades. For the first time, enumerators will collect data through mobile applications, allowing faster processing and improved accuracy. Additionally, citizens will have the option to complete their own details through an online self-enumeration system.
This will be the 16th census conducted in India and the eighth since independence. The last census was carried out in 2011, making this upcoming exercise a crucial update for demographic, economic, and social data across the country.
Two-Phase Structure of Census 2027
Census 2027 will be conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census, will take place between April and September 2026. This phase will collect detailed information about housing conditions, household amenities, and assets owned by families. A self-enumeration window of 15 days will be provided before the fieldwork begins in each region.
The second phase, Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. During this stage, comprehensive data on individuals will be collected, including demographic, socio-economic, education, and migration details. Enumeration of castes will also be carried out in this phase, as decided by the government.
Self-Enumeration and Digital Access
A key feature of Census 2027 is the introduction of self-enumeration, allowing residents to fill in their details online at their convenience. Users can access the dedicated portal, log in using their mobile number, and complete the census form digitally. Once submitted, a unique identification number will be generated, which can be shared with the enumerator during field verification.
The digital platform and mobile applications will support multiple languages to ensure accessibility across diverse regions. This approach aims to simplify participation while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in data collection.
Extensive Preparation and Infrastructure
The government has allocated a substantial budget for Census 2027, covering training, technology, logistics, and operational requirements. A large-scale training program has been implemented, involving national trainers, master trainers, and field-level personnel who will carry out the enumeration process across the country.
Advanced systems have been developed for monitoring progress, managing field operations, and generating real-time data insights. Security measures have also been put in place to protect sensitive information collected during the census.
Coverage and Administrative Scale
Census 2027 will cover all states and union territories, spanning thousands of sub-districts, towns, and villages. Administrative boundaries have been frozen for the census period to ensure consistency in data collection. The scale of the operation reflects its importance in shaping future policy decisions and development planning.
A nationwide pre-test was conducted in late 2025 to evaluate the methodology, digital tools, and training systems. The exercise helped refine processes and ensured readiness for the full-scale rollout.
Timeline and Reference Dates
The official reference date for Census 2027 has been set as March 1, 2027. However, in certain regions with challenging weather conditions, such as Ladakh and selected areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the reference date will be October 1, 2026.
The phased rollout ensures flexibility for state governments to conduct enumeration within suitable timeframes while maintaining overall consistency in the census process.
State-wise Census Schedule (Annex)
| State/UT | Self-Enumeration Period | Houselisting & Housing Census Period |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands, NDMC, Delhi Cantonment Board, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim | 1 April – 15 April | 16 April – 15 May |
| Gujarat, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | 5 April – 19 April | 20 April – 19 May |
| Uttarakhand | 10 April – 24 April | 25 April – 24 May |
| Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana | 16 April – 30 April | 1 May – 30 May |
| Bihar | 17 April – 1 May | 2 May – 31 May |
| Telangana | 26 April – 10 May | 11 May – 9 June |
| Punjab | 30 April – 14 May | 15 May – 13 June |
| Delhi (Municipal Corporation), Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Jharkhand | 1 May – 15 May | 16 May – 14 June |
| Uttar Pradesh | 7 May – 21 May | 22 May – 20 June |
| Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry | 17 May – 31 May | 1 June – 30 June |
| Himachal Pradesh | 1 June – 15 June | 16 June – 15 July |
| Kerala, Nagaland | 16 June – 30 June | 1 July – 30 July |
| Tamil Nadu, Tripura | 17 July – 31 July | 1 Aug – 30 Aug |
| Assam | 2 Aug – 16 Aug | 17 Aug – 15 Sep |
| Manipur | 17 Aug – 31 Aug | 1 Sep – 30 Sep |
| West Bengal | To be decided | To be decided |
* Gujarat: Subject to change.
** Jharkhand: Notification of intention to conduct census has been published. Notification for Houselisting and Housing Census period will be issued separately.