Census 2027: What You Need to Know About the Upcoming Population Enumeration

The upcoming Census 2027 is set to begin on September 1, focusing on key questions including caste and Covid vaccination status. This will be the first time caste data is collected in the Census, with a self-enumeration option available prior to the main enumeration phase. The process aims to gather comprehensive demographic information digitally, including personal details, educational background, and economic activity. With significant funding approved, this decennial exercise promises to be a monumental undertaking in India's demographic history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2026, 11:33 IST

Key Details of the Upcoming Census

New Delhi: On Friday, the government announced 40 specific questions that will be posed to individuals during the population enumeration phase of the Census, which is set to commence on September 1 in areas affected by snow, according to an official order.

The directive from the Registrar General of India, Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, includes inquiries about whether individuals belong to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, along with their specific caste.

The enumeration process in regions like Ladakh and certain snow-covered areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will occur from September 1 to 30, as detailed in a gazette notification released earlier this month.

Prior to the house-to-house enumeration, there will be a self-enumeration option available from August 17 to 31.

For the remainder of the country, the population enumeration will begin next year.

This Census marks the first instance where caste information will be collected.

Sources indicate that the questionnaire will not include a predefined list of castes; instead, respondents will provide their answers freely.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, made the decision to include caste enumeration on April 30 of the previous year.

According to a notification from the Registrar General of India, the Central Government has authorized census officers to ask various questions to collect information through the Household Schedule for the Census of India 2027.

Respondents will be required to provide personal information, including marital status, age at marriage, spouse's name, nationality, religion, caste details, parental information, disability status, mother tongue, and literacy levels.

This monumental headcount will be conducted entirely through digital means.

Additional questions will cover educational attendance, highest level of education achieved, work status over the past year, economic activity categories, occupation, and commuting habits.

Enumerators will also inquire about respondents' birthplaces, previous residences, migration reasons, duration of stay in their current location, and permanent addresses.

Women who are currently married, widowed, divorced, or separated will be asked about their children, including the number of surviving children and those born in the last year.

Furthermore, respondents will provide information regarding their Covid-19 vaccination location, the number of bank accounts, mobile numbers, Aadhaar numbers, Voter ID numbers, Passport numbers, and whether they hold a driving license.

The initial phase, which involves house listing and housing census, will continue until September 30.

Fieldwork for housing listing began on April 16 across various states and union territories.

Enumerators are tasked with cataloging all structures, homes, and households nationwide to establish a foundation for the population enumeration.

During this phase, enumerators will visit each residence and ask 33 questions about basic facilities, household head details, and ownership status.

Originally scheduled for 2021, this decennial exercise was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Union Cabinet has allocated Rs 11,718 crore for the Census.