The BRICS TimesIndia’s 2027 Census will be a two-phase exercise. House listing is set for 2026, and population enumeration for 2027. Caste data will be collected, and the entire process will be conducted digitally.
When Will the Census Begin?
The Government of India will conduct the 2027 Census in two distinct phases. This national exercise will gather detailed information on the country’s population and housing units. Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, provided this information in the Lok Sabha. He was responding to a question posed by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
Phase One: House Listing
The first phase is called House Listing and Housing Census. This activity will take place over a 30-day window. This window falls between April and September of 2026. This phase involves counting every house and collecting data on its condition and related details. The second phase will be the ‘Population Enumeration’. This part focuses on the personal counting of every individual resident.
Phase Two: Population Enumeration in February 2027
The second phase for counting the population is scheduled for February 2027. The official reference date is set for midnight on March 1, 2027. However, the schedule will differ for certain difficult areas. These include snow-covered or geographically challenging regions. Examples are Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. In these areas, the counting will happen earlier, in September 2026. The official reference date for these specific regions is midnight on October 1, 2026.
How is the Census Questionnaire Designed?
The Census questionnaire preparation involves consulting various experts. Inputs are taken from different ministries, departments, and organizations. This ensures that all questions are both relevant and accurate. The process learns from past experiences in every new cycle. This continuous improvement makes the procedure more effective.
Collection of Caste-Related Data Included
India’s Census tradition is over 150 years old. This time, data related to caste will also be gathered. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved this decision. This approval was granted on April 30, 2025. The 2027 Census will be entirely digital. Data will be collected through a dedicated mobile application. Citizens will also have an option to self-enumerate online. The 2027 Census is a blend of modern technology and historical experience. This approach will ensure more reliable and accurate data collection nationwide.
