India’s Digital Census with Caste Data Set for 2027

Major rollout begins with digital shift

India’s Digital Census with Caste Data Set for 2027: India is gearing up for its 16th national census, which will officially begin after a government notification on June 16, 2025, and conclude by March 2027. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the plan was set in motion for a fully digital and caste-inclusive census. This marks the first caste-based data collection since 2011, and the first national headcount since 2011, after delays caused by the pandemic.

Timeline differs by geography

The census has two reference dates depending on location. For most of India, the reference date is March 1, 2027. For snow-bound states and union territories like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date is October 1, 2026. This staggered timeline helps ensure accuracy in difficult-to-access areas during peak winter.

Structure divided into two key phases

The operation will be conducted in two major phases:

• House Listing Operations (HLO): This stage records housing conditions, household amenities, and ownership details.
• Population Enumeration (PE): This includes detailed social, economic, and caste-related information of every person.

Such a division allows for a more focused and comprehensive data collection process.

Census goes digital and self-driven

A major change in 2027 is the shift to digital collection methods. Citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration, where they can fill out the forms themselves. Around 1.3 lakh devices will be used by nearly 34 lakh field officials across the country. This change is expected to make the process quicker and more accessible.

Caste data reintroduced after a long gap

The inclusion of caste details is a major highlight of this census. Many political and social organizations have pushed for this data to guide better welfare schemes, reservation systems, and development planning. The last time such information was collected was during the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census. Bringing it back into the mainstream could influence future policy decisions.

India has conducted 15 national censuses so far, with the first modern one beginning in 1872 and the first complete and synchronized census in 1881. The upcoming one will be the 8th census post-Independence.

Data protection to remain top priority

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, data will be safeguarded throughout every step:

• Digital data entry will be closely monitored.
• Transfer of information will use secure and encrypted channels.
• All records will be stored in centralized digital systems with top-tier protection.

These steps aim to build public trust and prevent misuse of sensitive information.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table