Census of India 2027 Gets Cabinet Approval

Union Cabinet Clears Census 2027 with Digital-First Approach

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the conduct of Census of India 2027 with an estimated outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore . The decennial census is India’s most extensive administrative and statistical exercise, designed to generate updated demographic, social and economic data that will guide policymaking, resource allocation and governance planning across the country.

Phased Timeline and Nationwide Coverage

Census 2027 will be conducted in two distinct phases. The Houselisting and Housing Census will take place between April and September 2026, capturing data on housing conditions and household amenities. This will be followed by Population Enumeration in February 2027, covering every individual residing in India. In snow-bound and non-synchronous regions such as Ladakh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, population enumeration will be completed earlier in September 2026 to account for climatic constraints.

India’s First Fully Digital Census

A key highlight of Census 2027 is its digital-first design . Enumerators will collect data using mobile applications compatible with Android and iOS devices. A central Census Management and Monitoring System portal will allow real-time tracking of progress and quality checks. Citizens will also have the option of self-enumeration , while advanced data security protocols will ensure confidentiality and integrity of information.

Caste Enumeration and Workforce Scale

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration , to be undertaken electronically during the population phase. Nearly 30 lakh field functionaries , including enumerators, supervisors and trainers, will be deployed nationwide, supported by extensive training and honorariums. The exercise is also expected to generate significant short-term employment and strengthen administrative capacity.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Census 2027 will be India’s 16th census and 8th after Independence .

• Conducted under the Census Act, 1948 .

• First Indian census to be fully digital .

• Caste data will be collected during Population Enumeration.