India to Conduct Population Census 2027 in Two Phases Along with Caste Enumeration

The Government of India has announced that the Population Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, including enumeration of castes. The reference date for most areas is March 1, 2027, while for snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it is October 1, 2026. This census will be held under the Census Act of 1948 and Census Rules of 1990.

Key Highlights of Census 2027

• Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases
• Caste enumeration to be included
• Reference Date: March 1, 2027 (October 1, 2026 for snow-bound areas)
• Conducted under Census Act, 1948 & Census Rules, 1990

📌 Key Announcements:

• Census to be conducted in two phases
• Caste enumeration included for the first time since independence
• Reference date:
  • March 1, 2027, for most of India
  • October 1, 2026, for Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand
• Notification in official Gazette on: June 16, 2025
• Conducted under: Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990

📰 Details of the Population Census 2027

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has finalized the plan to conduct Census 2027 in two phases, similar to previous censuses. A key difference this time is the inclusion of caste enumeration, a significant move that is expected to provide data for better policy decisions on affirmative action, resource allocation, and social justice programs.

The official reference date for the upcoming census is:

• 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, for the entire country except certain regions.
• 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026, for:
  • Union Territory of Ladakh
  • Non-synchronous snow-bound areas of:
    • Jammu & Kashmir
    • Himachal Pradesh
    • Uttarakhand

The notification for conducting the Census with these reference dates will be published in the official Gazette on June 16, 2025, in accordance with Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.

🕰️ A Quick Look Back: Census History

🗓️ Census 2011

The last successful Population Census of India was conducted in 2011:

• Phase I – House Listing: April 1 to September 30, 2010
• Phase II – Population Enumeration: February 9 to February 28, 2011
• Reference Date: March 1, 2011 (except for snow-bound areas)

🛑 Census 2021 – Postponed

The proposed Census 2021 was to follow a similar format:

• Phase I: April–September 2020
• Phase II: February 2021
  However, due to the nationwide COVID-19 pandemic, all preparatory activities were paused and fieldwork never began.

📊 Why Census 2027 is Crucial

• Updated Population Data after a 16-year gap
• Caste-wise enumeration will help shape equitable policies
• Essential for government planning in:
  • Infrastructure
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Employment schemes
• Enhances targeting of welfare programs and subsidies

📌 Legal Framework

The Population Census is conducted under:

• The Census Act, 1948
• The Census Rules, 1990

These provide the legal authority to notify, enumerate, and process data, while ensuring privacy and compliance.

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📢 Stay Updated

To follow official developments on the Population Census 2027, visit:

🔗 Census India Official Website
🔗 Ministry of Home Affairs
🔗 Press Information Bureau (PIB)