Current development ·
Census 2027 begins with houselisting and self-enumeration
The first phase of Census 2027, houselisting and the housing census, ran from 1 April to 30 September 2026 with an online self-enumeration option. Population enumeration, including caste, follows in February 2027.
What changed
The Centre notified that houselisting operations for the Census of India 2027 would run between 1 April and 30 September 2026, each State and UT choosing a 30-day window. An optional 15-day self-enumeration period online came first. The second phase, population enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027, with snow-bound areas enumerated earlier. It will record caste, for the first time since 1931, following the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs decision of April 2025.
Foundation connections
Use population issues and forms of diversity. The census will also feed the next delimitation and reservation debates.
Exam use and limits
- Prelims: Two phases, the digital self-enumeration option, and caste enumeration in phase two. The 2011 Census remains the latest completed count.
- Mains: Discuss uses of caste data for policy against concerns over classification and social mobilisation.
Source: All India Radio News (Prasar Bharati)