Digital shift in Census
India’s First Fully Digital Census 2027: The Census of India 2027 will be the country’s first fully digital Census. Nearly 34 lakh enumerators will use their own smartphones to collect data. This move eliminates the need for paper-based enumeration and ensures faster, more reliable processing.
Static GK fact: The first Census in India was conducted in 1872 during British rule.
Mobile applications for data collection
Enumerators will use dedicated Android and iOS applications designed for multilingual support. These apps were initially planned for the 2021 Census but upgraded for the 2027 rollout. If data is recorded on paper due to technical issues, it must be later uploaded to a web portal. This ensures data is digitised at the source without duplication.
Static GK Tip: The Census is conducted every 10 years in India under the Census Act, 1948.
Census phases and language options
The process will take place in two phases. Houselisting operations will occur between April and September 2026, while population enumeration will follow in February 2027 across most states. For Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, enumeration will begin in September 2026. Citizens will also have the option to use a self-enumeration web portal in English, Hindi, and regional languages.
Geo-tagging of buildings
For the first time, all residential and non-residential buildings will be geo-tagged. Using Digital Layout Mapping (DLM), each structure will be assigned latitude-longitude coordinates. These will be linked to Houselisting Blocks (HLBs) through a Geographic Information System (GIS) map. This innovation will boost spatial accuracy and strengthen urban and rural planning.
Static GK fact: GIS technology is widely used for land surveys, disaster management, and resource mapping.
Real-time monitoring and budget
The Registrar General of India (RGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs will oversee the entire process through a real-time monitoring portal. This will enhance efficiency and transparency. The government has sanctioned ₹14,618.95 crore for the Census operations. Earlier, the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census had used devices supplied by Bharat Electronics Limited, but the 2027 Census advances this by allowing personal devices and wider public participation.
Static GK Tip: The RGI office was established in 1961 and is responsible for population data management.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s First Fully Digital Census 2027:
| Topic | Detail |
| First fully digital Census | Census of India 2027 |
| Enumerators | 34 lakh using personal smartphones |
| Phases | Houselisting April–September 2026, Population enumeration February 2027 |
| States with early enumeration | Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand |
| Language support | English, Hindi, and regional languages |
| Self-enumeration | Web portal facility for citizens |
| Geo-tagging | Digital Layout Mapping linked to GIS |
| Monitoring authority | Registrar General of India under MHA |
| Budget allocation | ₹14,618.95 crore |
| Previous tech use | 2011 SECC with BEL devices |
