The Union Home Ministry has issued a notification announcing that the next census will be conducted in 2027, marking a significant milestone in India's demographic data collection. The census will be conducted digitally using mobile applications, ensuring efficient data collection and analysis.
Key Features of the Census
- Two Phases: The census will be conducted in two phases:
- Phase 1: House Listing Operation (HLO): Collecting data on housing conditions, assets, and amenities of each household.
- Phase 2: Population Enumeration (PE): Collecting demographic, socio-economic, cultural, and other details of every person in each household.
- Caste Enumeration: The census will include caste enumeration, marking the first nationwide caste enumeration since 1931.
- Digital Census: The census will be conducted digitally using mobile applications, ensuring efficient data collection and analysis.
- Reference Dates: The reference dates for the census are:
- March 1, 2027: For most parts of the country.
- October 1, 2026: For regions with severe cold and snow cover, such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Timeline and Data Release
- Data Collection: The entire process of data collection will be completed by March 1, 2027.
- Preliminary Data Release: Preliminary data will be released in March 2027.
- Detailed Data Release: Detailed data will be released by the end of 2027.
- Duration: The entire process of the census will be completed in about 21 months.