New Delhi | 30 March 2026

India is set to begin Census 2027 from the 1st of next month, marking the 16th Census exercise in the country and the 8th since Independence. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan announced that the nationwide exercise will be conducted in two phases. He explained that the first phase will focus on house listing along with a self-enumeration facility, allowing citizens to participate directly in the data collection process.

Providing further details, Narayan said that the self-enumeration process will be carried out over a 15-day window between April 1 and August 31, with timelines varying across different States and Union Territories. Once this stage is completed, house listing operations will be conducted over a 30-day period, extending until September 30. He also highlighted that the self-enumeration portal will be accessible in 16 languages, ensuring wider participation and inclusivity across diverse populations.

The Commissioner informed that the questions for the first phase have already been notified, while those for the second phase will be released in due course. He added that caste enumeration will be included in the second phase of the Census, making it a significant component of the upcoming exercise. This phased approach aims to ensure accuracy and better organization of the large-scale data collection process.

Emphasizing the use of technology, Narayan stated that Census 2027 will be conducted through digital means. Data will be collected using a mobile application, alongside a web-based portal designed to manage and monitor operations efficiently. Additionally, the creation of House Listing Blocks will be carried out using a web-mapping application, reflecting a shift towards a more modern, transparent, and streamlined census process.

: Census 2027 to Begin Next Month with Digital Approach and Self-Enumeration Facility

India is set to begin Census 2027 from the 1st of next month, marking the 16th Census exercise in the country and the 8th since Independence. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan announced that the nationwide exercise will be conducted in two phases. He explained that the first phase will focus on house listing along with a self-enumeration facility, allowing citizens to participate directly in the data collection process.

Providing further details, Narayan said that the self-enumeration process will be carried out over a 15-day window between April 1 and August 31, with timelines varying across different States and Union Territories. Once this stage is completed, house listing operations will be conducted over a 30-day period, extending until September 30. He also highlighted that the self-enumeration portal will be accessible in 16 languages, ensuring wider participation and inclusivity across diverse populations.

The Commissioner informed that the questions for the first phase have already been notified, while those for the second phase will be released in due course. He added that caste enumeration will be included in the second phase of the Census, making it a significant component of the upcoming exercise. This phased approach aims to ensure accuracy and better organization of the large-scale data collection process.

Emphasizing the use of technology, Narayan stated that Census 2027 will be conducted through digital means. Data will be collected using a mobile application, alongside a web-based portal designed to manage and monitor operations efficiently. Additionally, the creation of House Listing Blocks will be carried out using a web-mapping application, reflecting a shift towards a more modern, transparent, and streamlined census process.