New Delhi News: Preparations for India Census 2027 have officially begun with a major announcement by the Union Home Ministry. The government has confirmed that the house listing exercise will take place in 2026. This activity will run from April 1 to September 30 across all states and Union Territories.
The notification marks the formal start of India’s 16th census. It comes after a gap of 16 years due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. As per the Registrar General of India, each state will complete house listing within a 30-day window during the notified period.
Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital census. Enumerators will use mobile applications instead of paper schedules. For the first time, households will also get a self-enumeration option. Families can submit details online up to 15 days before the official visit. A unique ID will help verify submissions quickly.
The census will happen in two phases. The first phase in 2026 will cover housing conditions and amenities. The second phase in early 2027 will record population data. March 1, 2027, will serve as the reference date for most regions.
The census holds political importance as it may guide future delimitation. It will also include expanded data points on living standards and technology use.
