New Delhi [India], December 2 (ANI): The Government of India has announced plans to conduct the Census in 2027, with the intent notified in the Gazette on June 16, 2025. The Census will be carried out in two phases: Phase I — House Listing and Housing Census, scheduled from April to September 2026, and Phase II — Population Enumeration, set for February 2027.
The Population Enumeration will reference March 1, 2027, except in regions such as Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where it will be conducted in September 2026.
Notably, caste enumeration will be included, following a decision by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on April 30, 2025. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said, “The Government has decided to conduct the Census in 2027. The intent of the Government for conducting the Census has been notified in the Gazette dated 16th June 2025. The Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, namely Phase I — House Listing and Housing Census from April to September 2026 in a period of 30 days, as per the convenience of the State/UT Governments, followed by Phase II — Population Enumeration.”
He added that Population Enumeration will be conducted in February 2027 with reference to March 1, 2027, except in Ladakh and snow-bound non-synchronous areas, where it will be carried out in September 2026 with reference to October 1, 2026.
A key feature of Census 2027 will be the inclusion of caste enumeration for the first time in over 70 years. It will also be India’s first digital census, with data collected through mobile applications, though paper schedules will remain available in areas with limited connectivity.
A pre-test was conducted from November 10 to November 30, 2025, to evaluate the digital systems, survey methods, and logistical framework. The latest announcement provides administrative clarity after the 2021 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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