India to Launch 2027 Census in Two Phases Starting April 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs in India has announced that the upcoming Census 2027 will be conducted in two distinct phases, commencing in April 2026 and concluding in February 2027. This decision was articulated during a session in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, where the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, provided details of the initiative.

The census process will be split into two phases. The first phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census, is set to take place from April to September 2026. This phase will span a period of 30 days, allowing flexibility to accommodate the needs of various State and Union Territory (UT) governments. Following this, the second phase, which focuses on Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. This enumeration will refer to data as of 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, with some exceptions.

In regions such as Ladakh and specific snow-bound areas within Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Population Enumeration will occur earlier, in September 2026. In these areas, the reference date will be set to 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026.

The announcement follows a question posed by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, prompting the ministry to clarify the census methodology. Minister Rai emphasized that the census questionnaire is designed based on contributions from various ministries, departments, and data users, ensuring a comprehensive approach to data collection.

The Census has a long-standing history of over 150 years, and the Ministry has committed to integrating lessons learned from previous exercises into the planning of the next census. In a notable addition, Rai confirmed that caste enumeration will also be included in the Census, following the decision made by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on April 30, 2023.

A significant feature of Census 2027 will be the use of digital technology for data collection. The Ministry plans to implement a mobile app for data gathering, alongside an online option for self-enumeration. This modern approach aims to streamline the process and enhance the accuracy of the collected data.

As preparations continue, the Ministry of Home Affairs is focused on ensuring that Census 2027 meets the diverse needs of India’s population. With the integration of technology and careful planning, officials are optimistic about the success of this crucial national exercise.