The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for conducting Census 2027, marking the first full population census in India since 2011. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was announced by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The census will be carried out in two phases, beginning in 2026. The first phase, known as the House-listing and Housing Census, will take place between April and September 2026. This phase will collect data on housing conditions, household amenities, and assets. The second phase, the Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027, while enumeration in snow-bound and difficult-to-access regions will be conducted earlier.
A key highlight of Census 2027 is that it will be fully digital, a first in India’s census history. Data will be collected using mobile applications on Android and iOS platforms, replacing the traditional paper-based system. A dedicated central portal will be used to monitor the exercise in real time, improving efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
The census is expected to be one of the largest administrative exercises in the world, involving nearly 30 lakh enumerators and supervisors. These field workers will undergo extensive training to ensure accurate data collection and smooth implementation of the digital process.
Importantly, the population enumeration phase will also include caste data collection, which will be carried out electronically. Officials have said this information will help in better policy planning, targeted welfare delivery, and evidence-based decision-making across sectors such as health, education, housing, and employment.
The government said the updated census data will play a crucial role in redrawing electoral constituencies, revising welfare schemes, urban and rural planning, and assessing demographic changes that have taken place over the last decade. The delay in conducting the census was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted large-scale field activities.
With the approval of funds and timelines, preparatory work for Census 2027 is expected to begin soon. The government has emphasized that data security and confidentiality will be strictly maintained, with strong safeguards built into the digital system.
Census 2027 is expected to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of India’s population, supporting long-term governance, development planning, and inclusive growth.
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