India has initiated the preliminary stages for its monumental Census 2027, aiming for a digitally integrated population count. A vital pre-test for the Houselisting and Housing Census is currently in progress across selected areas nationwide, running from November 10 to November 30, 2025. This exercise is instrumental in validating the logistical and technological frameworks ahead of the main Census.
Citizens are set to experience a new level of engagement with the introduction of a digital self-enumeration option, available from November 1 to November 7, 2025. This innovative feature aims to empower individuals to submit their demographic information directly, making Census 2027 India’s first fully digital census. The administration has leveraged Section 17A of the Census Act, 1948, to extend its purview to this crucial pre-test phase.
The comprehensive Census 2027 will unfold in two main phases. The Houselisting and Housing Schedule (HLO) will commence on April 1, 2026, followed by the Population Enumeration (PE) from April 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. During the pre-test, all facets of the operation, from questionnaire design and data collection apps to training protocols and system performance, will be meticulously evaluated and refined.
A key feature of Census 2027 will be the inclusion of caste enumeration at a national level for the first time, offering unparalleled insights into social demographics. The Houselisting phase will gather data on housing infrastructure and amenities, while the Population Enumeration phase will document detailed personal, socio-economic, and cultural attributes. The PE phase is scheduled to start on February 1, 2027, with March 1, 2027, as the primary reference date.
This ambitious census will rely on the expertise of over 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, supported by a vast network of 1.3 lakh Census officials. This will mark the sixteenth Census in India’s history and the eighth since achieving independence. The previous census was in 2011, with the 2021 census postponed. The upcoming 2027 Census is expected to provide a highly accurate and modern demographic profile crucial for evidence-based policy making across various sectors.
