India Census 2027 First Phase Schedule Announced
The Union government has formally issued a notification for the first phase of the Census of India 2027, marking the beginning of the long-delayed national population exercise. The census, originally due in 2021, was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest notification lays down the framework and timeline for the initial houselisting operations across the country.
Houselisting Phase to Begin in 2026
The first phase of the census, known as the houselisting and housing census, will be conducted between April 1 and September 30, 2026. During this period, states and Union Territories will carry out door-to-door enumeration of buildings, houses, and households. Each state and UT will complete the exercise within a fixed 30-day window, to be notified separately by the authorities.
This phase will collect data on housing conditions, ownership status, access to basic amenities, and other structural details. The information gathered will form the base for the population enumeration stage that follows.
Digital and Self-Enumeration Features
Census 2027 will be India’s first predominantly digital census. Enumerators will use mobile applications to collect and upload data in real time. In addition, households will be given the option of self-enumeration through an online platform for a limited period before fieldwork begins, allowing residents to submit basic housing information themselves.
Population Enumeration in 2027
The second phase of the census, which involves population enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. In snow-bound and difficult regions, this phase may be conducted earlier, around September 2026. The population count will collect demographic, social, and economic details of every individual living in the country.
The government has stated that preparations, including training of personnel and strengthening digital infrastructure, are underway to ensure smooth execution of the census.
