India's 1st digital census is underway: Here's how it works

India Nov 13, 2025

Kerala is piloting India's first digital census in Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts to identify and address potential challenges related to digital tools and system design before the big nationwide count in 2027.
Starting in November 2025 under the Census Act, local officials are leading the charge to make sure everything runs smoothly.

How the digital census works

The process uses mobile apps for data collection and a web portal for real-time updates, covering everything from remote villages to busy city wards.
People could even fill out their own info online from November 1-7, 2025.
As Joint Director Georgekutty P V noted, public cooperation is key—so enumerators are still visiting homes through November to get everyone counted right.