The Government of India has officially issued the notification to begin preparations for Census 2027, Government of India Issues Notification for Census 2027: Preparations Begin for Nationwide Exercise marking the start of the nation’s most comprehensive data collection exercise. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
Reference Dates Announced
As per the official notification, the census will be conducted with two different reference dates based on regional and climatic conditions. For snow-bound and difficult-to-access areas:
- October 1, 2026 will be the reference date for the Union Territory of Ladakh, and snow-bound non-synchronous areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
For the rest of India, the census will follow the standard timeline, with:
- March 1, 2027 as the national reference date.
Scale and Budget
The massive operation is expected to cost over ₹13,000 crore and will involve a workforce of approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, along with around 1.3 lakh census functionaries. These officials will be equipped with digital devices, marking a shift to a fully digital census process aimed at improving speed, accuracy, and transparency.
Key Features of Census 2027
- Digital Data Collection: Enumerators will use tablets and mobile applications to gather data, enabling real-time uploads and monitoring.
- Self-enumeration Option: Citizens may be able to fill out their details via an online portal using Aadhaar authentication.
- Caste Enumeration Included: For the first time since Independence, caste data will be collected as part of the main census.
Historic Inclusion of Caste Data
In a major policy shift, the government has announced the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming census. This will be the first comprehensive caste count since the British-led 1931 census. The decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 30, 2025.
An official statement said, “Considering all circumstances and to ensure that our social fabric does not come under political pressure, it has been decided that caste enumeration should be included in the main census instead of being conducted as a separate survey.”
While previous governments, including the UPA in 2011, conducted a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), the data was never fully published or utilized. Recent state-level surveys in Bihar and Telangana further highlighted the demand and complexity of caste-based enumeration.
Government Oversight and Constitutional Basis
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently reviewed the census preparations in a high-level meeting with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, and senior officials.
Under Article 246 of the Indian Constitution, the census is a Union subject listed at Entry 69 of the Seventh Schedule. It remains the primary source of nationwide demographic data, critical for policy-making, resource allocation, and developmental planning.
Census 2027 will be the 17th decennial census of India and will play a vital role in shaping future policies, developmental planning, resource allocation, and governance. The notification outlines the framework, objectives, and phased schedule of operations that will take place over the next two years.
A Digital-First Approach
One of the key highlights of Census 2027 is its focus on technology and digital tools. For the first time, the census will be conducted primarily using mobile apps and tablets, reducing dependency on paper-based formats. Enumerators will be equipped with handheld devices to streamline data collection, ensure accuracy, and enable real-time monitoring.
In addition, citizens may also have the option to self-enumerate through an online portal using their Aadhaar credentials, making the process more inclusive and convenient.
Key Phases and Timeline
According to the notification, the census will be carried out in two main phases:
- House Listing and Housing Census – Scheduled for early 2026, this phase will document the condition of housing, household assets, amenities, and access to basic services.
- Population Enumeration – To be conducted in early 2027, this phase will record detailed demographic data such as age, sex, literacy, occupation, religion, language, and migration status.
The government will also update the National Population Register (NPR) in parallel, with an emphasis on strengthening internal security and enhancing the delivery of welfare schemes.
Importance of Census Data
Census data forms the backbone of policy-making in India. It is used to:
- Allocate funds to states and districts
- Design and implement welfare programs
- Plan urban and rural infrastructure
- Track population growth and migration trends
- Identify socio-economic inequalities
Accurate and up-to-date data ensures that no citizen is left behind, especially in terms of healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Ensuring Inclusion and Transparency
The government has assured that special efforts will be made to reach marginalized communities, including people living in remote areas, the homeless, and nomadic tribes. Training programs for enumerators will focus on cultural sensitivity, data privacy, and ethical conduct.
The Census 2027 project will involve coordination between the central government, state governments, local bodies, and civil society organizations to ensure smooth implementation.
Looking Ahead
Census 2027 is more than just a headcount—it is a foundational exercise for building a modern, inclusive, and data-driven India. As the country moves toward a digital future, this census promises to offer richer insights, faster results, and improved governance outcomes.
The notification marks the beginning of a historic national effort that will shape India’s developmental roadmap for the next decade.