India Launches Census 2027; Keralam to Begin in June

New Delhi: India commenced the first phase of its long-delayed national census on Wednesday, with household enumeration getting underway in 11 states including Delhi. The exercise marks the eighth census of independent India and the sixteenth in the country's recorded history, conducted entirely through a digital framework for the first time.

The national population count will be carried out in two phases between April 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027. In Keralam, the first phase is scheduled to begin in June, with a self-enumeration window open to residents from June 16 to 30. Census officials will then conduct door-to-door data collection from July 1 to July 30.

What the Questionnaire Covers

The first phase includes a 33-question household listing schedule designed to assess basic living conditions and infrastructure. The questionnaire covers the construction materials used for floors, walls, and roofs; the condition of the dwelling; the number of occupants and married couples; the name and social category — SC, ST, or Other Backward Class — of the head of household; ownership status of the property; sources of drinking water; sanitation facilities; and drainage arrangements.

The second section of the questionnaire captures access to amenities such as radio, television, internet, laptops or computers, telephone or mobile or smartphone, vehicles, and LPG connections.

A Census Long Overdue

The last census was conducted in 2011. The 2021 enumeration was initially deferred due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the central government's continued delay even after the pandemic drew significant public and political criticism. The decision to finally proceed with the census — six years behind schedule — followed sustained pressure from opposition parties and civil society.

To support the digital enumeration process, the government has released two dedicated mobile applications: the Digital Layout Map (DLM) and Census 2027 Houselist.