New Delhi: India on Wednesday rolled out the first phase of its ambitious Census 2027, marking a historic shift as the country begins its first-ever fully digital population count, with a self-enumeration option and mobile-based data collection replacing the traditional pen-and-paper method.
The nationwide exercise, delayed from its original 2021 schedule, will be conducted in two phases - the house-listing and housing census beginning April 1, 2026, followed by population enumeration in early 2027.
In a major technological leap, citizens can now self-enumerate through an online portal or mobile application, a feature being introduced for the first time in India’s census history. The government has opened a 15-day window from April 1 to April 15 for voluntary self-enumeration ahead of door-to-door visits by enumerators.
Officials said respondents will be required to answer a structured questionnaire - around 33 to 34 questions in the first phase - covering details such as housing conditions, amenities, and household characteristics. Once submitted, users receive a unique reference ID, which can be shown to enumerators to avoid duplication during field verification.
The government has clarified that no documents are required to participate in the census, easing concerns around verification and accessibility.
The digital push includes the use of mobile applications by enumerators, GPS-enabled mapping, and a centralised monitoring system to ensure real-time tracking and accuracy of data collection. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce delays and errors associated with manual processes.
Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan has indicated that the shift to digital could allow a substantial portion of census data to be released within the same year, a sharp improvement over previous timelines.
The Census 2027 exercise is also expected to be one of the largest digital data collection drives globally, involving millions of enumerators and advanced digital infrastructure, with provisions for both online and assisted enumeration to ensure inclusivity.
While the first phase focuses on housing data, the second phase - scheduled for February–March 2027 - will capture detailed population data including demographics, socio-economic indicators, and other individual attributes.
With the launch of digital tools, self-enumeration, and app-based surveys, the government is positioning Census 2027 as a cornerstone of data-driven governance, aimed at faster policy planning and improved delivery of welfare schemes.
BI Bureau
