Census 2026: Houselisting operations commence April 1

India Jun 29, 2025

India's 16th Census starts April 1, 2026—and for the first time ever, it's going digital.
The process rolls out in two phases: first, checking out housing conditions and what people own; then, in February 2027, diving into population details like age, jobs, and even caste.

Over 34 lakh people will be on the ground

This isn't just another headcount—about 34 lakh people will be on the ground using mobile apps to make sure every entry is accurate and unique.
You can even fill in your own details online if you want.

More than just a headcount

The questions go beyond "how many"—they cover water access, toilets, building materials, family structure, and more.
All this info helps shape better policies and target resources where they're needed most.
The last census was back in 2011; a lot has changed since then!