Census 2027 preparations are advancing: Houselisting (Phase 1) ran from 1 April–30 September 2026; Population Enumeration (Phase 2) is scheduled for February 2027 with a reference date of 1 March 2027 for most regions.
Key features
- Fully digital census: First all-digital census using enumerator mobile applications and optional online self-enumeration via se.census.gov.in.
- Caste enumeration: Caste-related questions to be collected in the Population Enumeration phase for the first time since 1931.
- Statutory framework: Conducted under the Census Act, 1948; operationally led by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Timeline & reference dates
- Phase 1 Houselisting: 1 Apr–30 Sep 2026; completed in 23 states/UTs as of 16 Jun 2026.
- Population Enumeration: Scheduled Feb 2027; reference date 1 Mar 2027 for most areas; snow-bound regions (Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) use 1 Oct 2026.
Field operations & resources
- Budget & workforce: Union Cabinet approved ₹11,718.24 crore; over 3 million enumerators, supervisors and officials anticipated.
- State deployment example: Maharashtra completed Houselisting (16 May–14 Jun 2026) deploying ~2.45 lakh field staff.
Digital platforms
- Core applications: Houselisting Block Creator (HLBC) Web App, HLO Mobile App, Self-Enumeration (SE) Portal, and Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS).
- Functions: Block mapping, mobile data capture, citizen self-enumeration, and real-time monitoring.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Delimitation linkage: Article 82 provides for readjustment of Lok Sabha seats after each census; delimitation exercises use census figures.
- Decennial exercise: Census in India is conducted every ten years; latest fully digital modality is a first.