The Government of India has officially announced that the 16th decadal Population Census will be conducted in two phases, with the process set to begin in October 2026 and conclude by March 2027. This will be the first national census since 2011, following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Census 2027: Key Dates and Phases
- Phase 1 (Snow-bound Areas): Begins October 1, 2026, covering Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
- Phase 2 (Rest of India): Begins March 1, 2027, with this date serving as the national reference point for enumeration
The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the notification of intent to conduct the census will be published in the Official Gazette on June 16, 2025, under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948.
Caste Enumeration Included
For the first time in decades, the 2027 Census will include caste-based enumeration, a move expected to provide granular socio-economic data to inform policy and welfare programs.
Massive Administrative Exercise
- Over 30 lakh enumerators and supervisors will be deployed
- Extensive training and digital tools will be used to ensure accuracy and efficiency
- The census will be conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and Census Rules, 1990
Significance of Census 2027
This census is expected to be one of the most comprehensive demographic exercises in India’s history, offering critical insights into population growth, migration, literacy, employment, and caste composition.
