India began the first of the two Census 2027 phases on 1 April 2026. Notably, this is the country’s first digital census, with an online self-enumeration option. Registrar General Mritunjay Kumar Narayan briefed the media in New Delhi on 30 March 2026. Moreover, it will be the 16th Census and the 8th since Independence. Hence, its data will shape planning for years.
Houselisting First, Headcount Next
The first phase is the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), from 1 April to 30 September 2026. Also, each state’s 15-day self-enumeration window precedes its 30-day door-to-door survey. Next, Population Enumeration follows in February 2027, with 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027 as the reference date. However, Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand use 1 October 2026 instead.
Self-Enumeration and the Mobile App
For the first time, enumerators will collect data on smartphones through a mobile app. Meanwhile, citizens can fill in their own details on se.census.gov.in. After that, each household gets a Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) for the enumerator. In addition, the app and portal work in 16 languages. Later, caste enumeration will take place in Phase II. Moreover, the Union government approved an outlay of Rs 11,718.24 crore for the exercise.
Legal Basis and Confidentiality
Census is a Union subject under Entry 69 of the Union List in the Seventh Schedule. So, the Census Act, 1948 and the Census Rules, 1990 govern the exercise. Importantly, Section 15 of the Act keeps individual census records confidential. Thus, nobody can inspect them, and courts cannot admit them as evidence, except in prosecutions under the Act.
Latest Update
By 14 August 2026, Phase I was complete in 31 states and UTs. Meanwhile, snow-bound areas held Population Enumeration from 1 to 30 September 2026. Later, on 27 September 2026, PM Narendra Modi called the census “a national responsibility for all of us.”
Census 2027 Phases: Key Facts for Revision
- Census number: 16th Census; 8th since Independence
- Phase I: Houselisting and Housing Census, 1 April to 30 September 2026
- Phase II: Population Enumeration, February 2027; reference date 1 March 2027
- Snow-bound areas: Reference date 1 October 2026
- Law: Census Act, 1948; Census Rules, 1990; Entry 69, Union List
- Confidentiality: Section 15 of the Census Act
- Outlay: Rs 11,718.24 crore
Why Census 2027 Phases Matter for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, examiners like questions on the legal basis of the Census. So, remember Entry 69, Section 15 and the two reference dates. Also, link the digital census with the SE ID and self-enumeration portal. For official updates, also visit Census of India. Next, for a related story, read about Ladakh, the first UT to complete Census 2027.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.