Context: Census 2027
Census 2027 is India’s first Census after 15 years. The last Census was conducted in 2011. Phase I began on 1 April 2026 and Phase II will begin in 2027. It will update India’s demographic database for welfare, delimitation and governance.
Census 2027: Key Information
Phase I: House-listing and Housing Census
Collects information on:
- Housing condition
- Amenities
- Assets of every household
Phase II: Population Enumeration
Collects information on:
- Education
- Migration
- Fertility
- Occupation
- Caste
- Socio-economic data
Legal and Constitutional Basis
Legal Basis
- Census Act, 1948
Authority
Ministry
Constitutional Entry
- Entry 69, Union List, Seventh Schedule
New Feature
- Online self-enumeration for 15 days before survey.
- Manual enumeration retained.
Data Points
- 2011 population: 121 crore
- 2025 estimate: 146+ crore
- Expected rise: 25–30 crore
Why Census 2027 Matters
- Basis for welfare schemes, subsidies and beneficiary identification.
- Supports Finance Commission devolution and local body grants.
- Critical for delimitation of constituencies and implementation of Women’s Reservation Act.
- Provides data for health, education, housing, employment and migration planning.
- Helps governments and private sector identify development gaps and investment needs.
