Census of India 2027 Approval

Cabinet decision and overview

Census of India 2027 Approval: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet approved the plan to conduct Census of India 2027 with an outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore. This approval marks the return of India’s most comprehensive administrative exercise after a long gap. The 2027 census will be the 16th national census and the 8th after Independence.

The census is designed to generate faster, cleaner, and policy-ready data. A major transformation is the complete shift to digital data collection and processing across the country.

Static GK fact: India’s first synchronous census was conducted in 1881, establishing a decennial tradition.

Two-phase census framework

The census will be conducted in two distinct phases to ensure accuracy and operational efficiency. Each phase will use separate questionnaires and trained field staff.

The first phase, Houselisting and Housing Census, will be conducted from April to September 2026. It will collect information on housing conditions, amenities, and household assets.

The second phase, Population Enumeration, will be carried out in February 2027. For snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, enumeration will take place earlier in September 2026.

Legal and administrative framework

The census exercise is governed by the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990. These laws provide the legal authority for data collection and ensure confidentiality of personal information.

Enumerators will visit every household across villages, towns, and urban wards. Data collected under the Act cannot be used as evidence in courts or for administrative action.

Static GK Tip: Census data forms the base for delimitation, reservation, and fiscal transfers.

Digital transformation and new features

Census 2027 will be India’s first fully digital census. Data will be collected using a mobile application compatible with Android and iOS, reducing manual errors and delays.

A Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will allow real-time tracking of progress. Officers will also use the Houselisting Block Creator Web Map Application to digitally map enumeration blocks.

For the first time, a self-enumeration option will be available, enabling citizens to submit their details online. Strong digital security layers are built into the system to protect personal data.

Inclusion of caste enumeration

A major policy shift is the inclusion of caste enumeration in Census 2027. This decision was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs in April 2025.

Caste data will be collected electronically during the Population Enumeration phase. This information is expected to support evidence-based social justice and welfare planning.

Workforce deployment and execution

Around 30 lakh census workers will handle field operations, supported by supervisors, trainers, and district officials. In total, nearly 3 million personnel will be involved in the exercise.

Most enumerators will be government school teachers and public employees. All personnel will receive an honorarium, as census duties are additional to their regular work.

Employment and policy impact

The census will generate around 10.2 million man-days of employment. About 18,600 technical personnel will be deployed for nearly 550 days.

Through Census as a Service (CAAS), ministries will receive data in machine-readable formats. This will strengthen planning in health, education, urban development, and social welfare.

Static GK fact: Census data is the foundation for Five-Year Plans and long-term demographic projections.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Census of India 2027 Approval: