The nationwide Census 2027 is set to begin from Wednesday, the Registrar General of India and Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan announced. This will be the 16th census in India’s history and the 8th since independence. For the first time, data will be collected digitally, marking a major shift in how demographic information is gathered across the country.
Officials emphasized that all personal information collected during the census will remain strictly confidential. The government will not share the data with any government or non-government agency, and it cannot be used for investigations, inquiries, or court proceedings. The information will also not be accessible under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The first phase of Census 2027 will run from April 1 to September 30, covering all states and union territories over a month-long period in each region. Citizens can answer 33 questions about household composition, amenities, and demographic details. To facilitate the process, a Self Enumerator Portal will allow residents to pre-register household details 15 days in advance. Additionally, a mobile application developed by C-DAC under the supervision of the Government of India will enable data entry in 16 Indian languages.
Key data to be collected includes the number of household members, names, gender, and details of the family head; the number of rooms and married couples; available amenities, assets, and income sources; details of electronic devices, vehicles, and other belongings; and the house owner’s phone number. Authorities said these measures will ensure accurate, comprehensive, and secure data collection across the country.