Census 2027 to Be India’s First Fully Digital Enumeration Exercise
Centre introduces mobile-based data collection, caste enumeration, and real-time monitoring system
- India’s first digital census with mobile-based data collection
- Caste enumeration to be included for the first time since Independence
- ₹11,718 crore allocated for nationwide exercise
- Over 31 lakh enumerators to be deployed
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th April: India is set to conduct its first fully digital population count with Census 2027, marking a major transformation in the country’s data collection system.
The upcoming census will leverage mobile-based applications, real-time monitoring tools and an optional self-enumeration facility, aiming to deliver faster, more accurate and granular data for policymaking.
The exercise, backed by a financial outlay of ₹11,718.24 crore, will also include caste enumeration, following a decision by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs in 2025.
Census 2027 will be the 16th census since its inception and the first after the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be conducted in two phases — the houselisting phase between April and September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027.
A major technological innovation includes the Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS), which will enable near real-time tracking of progress at district, state and national levels. Enumerators will use secure mobile applications to collect and upload data directly, eliminating paperwork and improving efficiency.
Citizens will also have the option to self-enumerate through a dedicated online portal, generating a unique ID that will be verified by field officials.
The government has put in place a robust data security framework, including encrypted transmission and storage in certified data centres designated as Critical Information Infrastructure, ensuring confidentiality and protection of personal information.
To execute the exercise, around 31 lakh enumerators and supervisors will be deployed, supported by large-scale training programmes and administrative preparations across states and Union Territories.
Officials said the digital census is expected to significantly improve the speed of data processing and dissemination, enabling more targeted and inclusive governance.
