New Delhi: India has officially commenced the first phase of the 2027 Census today, marking the beginning of the largest population enumeration exercise in the world. This exercise represents the 16th Census in the nation’s history and the 8th since independence.
President Shrimati Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi both participated in the self-enumeration process today to lead the digital initiative.
The census is structured into two distinct phases: House Listing and Housing Operations followed by Population Enumeration. While the general reference date for the country is set for March 1, 2027, snow-bound areas including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will use a reference date of October 1, 2026.
In a significant technological shift, this census is being conducted digitally. The self-enumeration window allows citizens to enter their own details via a secure web-based portal available in 16 languages starting today and running through April 15. Following this, the House Listing phase will take place from April 16 to May 15, focusing on the condition of buildings, available amenities, and household assets.
This phase will also feature the geo-tagging of structures and the assignment of unique identification numbers. Eleven states and Union Territories, including Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of the National Capital Territory, are among the first to begin this process.
The second phase, Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027 and will include the collection of caste-related data. The central government has allocated more than 11,718 crore rupees to fund the massive operation.
Registrar General and Census Commissioner Shri Mritunjay Kumar Narayan has emphasized that comprehensive data security measures are in place and has called upon all citizens to ensure the information provided to surveyors is accurate and complete.