New Delhi — In a landmark development, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has officially announced that India’s next population census, delayed since 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will commence from October 1, 2026, and conclude on March 1, 2027. This will be the first digital census in the country’s history, enabling citizens to participate in the data collection process from the comfort of their homes.
The census will be conducted in two distinct phases — Houselisting Operation (HLO) and Population Enumeration (PE) — covering all aspects of housing, infrastructure, and demographic details.
Phase 1: Houselisting Operation (HLO) — Begins October 1, 2026
The first phase of the census, known as the Houselisting Operation, will involve the systematic collection of data regarding:
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Type and condition of houses
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Access to water, electricity, toilets, and cooking fuel
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Ownership of assets
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Household income and amenities
For the first time ever, citizens will have the option of self-enumeration via an online portal. This means individuals can log in securely and provide their household details without waiting for a field enumerator. Enumerators, however, will still visit homes to ensure complete coverage.
Phase 2: Population Enumeration (PE) — Starts March 1, 2027
The second phase, beginning March 1, 2027, will record individual-level demographic and socio-economic data, including:
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Name, age, and gender
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Occupation and education
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Marital status
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Language, religion, and nationality
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Migration and disability details
This phase forms the core of India’s population data and is critical for policy planning, social welfare schemes, and the allocation of government resources at both state and national levels.
Why the 2026–27 Census Is Historic
This upcoming census will mark several firsts:
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Digital-first approach with optional online self-enumeration
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Use of mobile apps and tablets by enumerators, replacing paper forms
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Integration with national digital identity systems for enhanced accuracy
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Real-time data validation and quality checks
The Home Ministry has emphasized the importance of this digitization in ensuring transparency, speed, and accessibility, while reducing the risk of duplication and manual errors.
Census 2026–27 Timeline at a Glance
| Phase | Start Date | Details Collected |
|---|---|---|
| Houselisting Operation (HLO) | October 1, 2026 | Housing, assets, income, amenities |
| Population Enumeration (PE) | March 1, 2027 | Personal, demographic and occupational data |
Background: Why the Census Was Delayed
India’s decennial census, originally scheduled for 2021, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. The last census was conducted in 2011, making this the longest gap between two censuses in independent India.
