Citizens given the opportunity to self-report in the forthcoming Census for the first time.
India is set to embark on its first fully digital census, marking a significant leap in modernising the census process. The upcoming Census 2027, the 16th since the exercise began in the country and the 8th after Independence, will be divided into two phases: Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) and Population Enumeration (PE).
The digital transformation of the census process will enable citizens to participate actively in data collection through self-enumeration. This innovative approach is expected to reduce errors, shorten data processing time, and improve overall efficiency in census operations.
The Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO) phase will commence on April 1, 2026, followed by the Population Enumeration (PE) phase on February 1, 2027. The reference date for the census is March 1, 2027 (00:00 hours), except for certain regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and snowbound areas where October 1, 2026, applies.
For self-enumeration, a dedicated web portal and mobile applications for Android and Apple devices will be made available. The head of the household or any member can enter detailed information such as state, district, tehsil, town, name, and date of birth of the head of the household, and details (name, date of birth, relationship) of other household members. Upon successful completion, a unique ID is generated, which can be presented to enumerators for verification during field visits.
To ensure data accuracy, the system employs dropdown menus and standardized coding for characteristics like caste, language, and occupation. Enumerators will be equipped with smartphones loaded with census software featuring GPS integration, geofencing, and real-time error alerts. Data collected digitally is transmitted electronically to a central server, facilitating faster availability of census results.
Real-time monitoring tools and a central Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) enable supervision, data validation, and troubleshooting. Strict data protection protocols ensure data security during collection, transmission, and storage.
The Registrar General of India has implemented a three-tier training system for the Census exercise: national trainer, master trainer, and field trainer. The training of approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors will begin on April 1, 2026. This is the first time in the country that citizens will get a chance to self-enumerate through a dedicated web portal.
The upcoming Census exercise will be a collaborative effort between the central and state governments. A gazette notification for the Census 2027 was issued on June 16, and states and Union Territories have been instructed to submit any proposed changes in the boundaries of administrative units before December 31, 2025, which will be considered final for the Census exercise.
This transformational step towards modernising the Census process is a testament to India's commitment to leveraging technology for efficient and accurate data collection. The digital Census initiative is poised to revolutionise census operations, setting a new standard for future census exercises in the country.
- Citizens will have the opportunity to actively participate in the data collection process through self-enumeration for the upcoming digital census in India, a move that is expected to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
- The Registrar General of India has implemented a comprehensive training system for the Census exercise, involving approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, marking the first time self-enumeration will be possible for citizens through a dedicated web portal.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, a gazette notification for the Census 2027 has been issued, with states and Union Territories instructed to submit any proposed changes in the boundaries of administrative units before December 31, 2025, for the Census exercise.
- The digital transformation in census operations, including the use of technology such as smartphones, real-time error alerts, and geofencing, is a significant step in modernising the process, setting a new standard for future census exercises in the country and demonstrating India's commitment to technology for efficient and accurate data collection in the business and general-news sectors.
