India Launches Its First Fully Digital Census in 16 Years
India begins its first digital census in 16 years and this time there's a big difference
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
India has initiated its first digital census, Census 2027, on April 1, 2026, marking the longest gap since the last census in 2011. This census will be conducted entirely online and via smartphones, including a comprehensive enumeration of castes for the first time since 1931, aiming to enhance data accessibility for policy-making.
- 01Census 2027 is India's first fully digital census, utilizing smartphones and online portals.
- 02The census includes a comprehensive enumeration of castes, a first since 1931.
- 03Phase I focuses on housing data, while Phase II will collect demographic and socio-economic information.
- 04The Union Government has allocated ₹11,718.24 crore (approximately $1.4 billion USD) for this census.
- 05Self-enumeration will allow citizens to participate online, ensuring data confidentiality.
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On April 1, 2026, India launched Census 2027, the first census in 16 years, marking a significant shift to digital methods. This census will be conducted entirely through smartphones and online platforms, allowing for real-time data collection and faster results. The initiative includes a comprehensive enumeration of castes, which has not been done since 1931, reflecting the government's intent to capture the country's diverse demographic landscape. Phase I, running from April to September 2026, will focus on housing and amenities, while Phase II, scheduled for February 2027, will gather detailed demographic and socio-economic data. The Union Government has approved an outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore (approximately $1.4 billion USD) for this initiative, which aims to enhance data accessibility for policy-making. Citizens can participate through self-enumeration online or by door-to-door visits from enumerators, with a focus on maintaining data confidentiality.
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Census 2027 will provide critical data that can influence government policies on housing, education, and social welfare, directly affecting communities across India.
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