The Government of India has officially announced the schedule for Census 2027 through a Gazette notification dated 16 June 2025. As per the notification (S.O. 2681(E)), the country’s next population count will be conducted digitally in two phases, with reference dates set for March 1, 2027, and October 1, 2026 for snow-bound areas. In this article, you can download the official Gazette PDF, understand the census methodology, and learn about the key changes from previous years—including the shift to digital enumeration and updated demographic coverage.
1. What’s Announced?
On 16 June 2025, the Government of India issued Gazette Notification S.O. 2681(E), under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948. It officially declares that the 16th decennial Census of India will be carried out in 2027, superseding the earlier 2019 notification intended for 2021
🔷 भारत की जनगणना 2027 संबंधी अधिसूचना का सारांश
अधिसूचना संख्या: का.आ. 2681(अ)
अधिसूचना तिथि: भारत के राजपत्र (गजट) में प्रकाशित
अधार कानून: जनगणना अधिनियम, 1948 की धारा 3
मुख्य बिंदु:
- घोषणा:
भारत सरकार ने यह घोषणा की है कि अगली जनगणना वर्ष 2027 के दौरान करवाई जाएगी। - संदर्भ:
यह अधिसूचना 26 मार्च, 2019 की अधिसूचना संख्या का.आ. 1455(अ) के अनुसरण में जारी की गई है। - संदर्भ तिथि (Reference Date):
- देश के सभी क्षेत्रों के लिए (सिवाय विशेष पहाड़ी क्षेत्रों के):
👉 1 मार्च, 2027 की मध्यरात्रि (00:00 बजे) - निम्नलिखित विशेष क्षेत्रों के लिए:
- केंद्र शासित प्रदेश लद्दाख
- केंद्र शासित प्रदेश जम्मू-कश्मीर
- हिमाचल प्रदेश के बर्फ़ से ढके क्षेत्र
- उत्तराखंड के बर्फ़ से ढके क्षेत्र
👉 1 अक्टूबर, 2026 की मध्यरात्रि (00:00 बजे)
- देश के सभी क्षेत्रों के लिए (सिवाय विशेष पहाड़ी क्षेत्रों के):
2. Reference Dates (Cut-off Times)
- Most of India: 00:00 hrs on 1 March 2027
- Snow-bound / remote areas (Ladakh; Jammu & Kashmir; Himachal Pradesh; Uttarakhand): 00:00 hrs on 1 October 2026
3. Why Two Dates?
These remote and snow-bound regions remain inaccessible during winters, so data collection there begins earlier to maintain accuracy and logistical feasibility
4. Two-Phase, Digital & Inclusive Census
- Phase I (House Listing): Data on housing, assets, amenities.
- Phase II (Population Enumeration): Demographics, socio-economic, cultural details—including caste enumeration, which is being conducted for the first time since 1931
This iteration marks India’s first fully digital census, using mobile applications and a self-enumeration portal, supported by a massive workforce: ~34 lakh enumerators, 1.3 lakh supervisors, and 1.3 lakh census officials
5. Timeline Overview
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Gazette Notification | 16 June 2025 |
| Snow‑bound Phase Start | 1 Oct 2026 (00:00 hrs) |
| Nationwide Phase Start | 1 Mar 2027 (00:00 hrs) |
| Census Completion Expected | Late 2027 |
6. Why It Matters
- Provides crucial demographic and socio-economic data fundamental to policy planning, welfare schemes, and governance.
- Lays the foundation for delimitation (redrawing of electoral boundaries) and enabling the 33% women’s reservation in legislative bodies
- Sets a transformative shift as the first digital census, enhancing transparency, speed, and data security .
✅ What’s Next for India & Citizens:
- Preparations: Enumerator training, digital infrastructure, app development underway.
- Public Involvement: Self-enumeration portal expected soon—citizens can enter their data directly.
- Awareness Campaigns: State and local administrations will coordinate to inform residents ahead of dates.