India's 1st digital census kicks off, with women leading the way
India is finally launching its first fully digital Census after a long delay, set for April 2026 to February 2027.
Pre-tests were conducted prior to November 2025 to see how well digital data collection works in different areas.
What's cool? Women—mostly teachers—are at the forefront, especially in rural places like Aniwas, Uttar Pradesh.
How it works: smartphones, apps, and real-time checks
For the first time since independence, enumerators—including women—are using smartphones and two special apps.
One maps homes by GPS; the other collects answers to 35 questions about households and demographics.
Real-time monitoring helps keep things accurate.
Why this matters: tech meets representation
About 3.4 million people will help carry out this massive project using AI tools and options for families to fill out their info online.
Women were picked because they're trusted in communities and can talk about sensitive topics more easily.
The results will shape things like electoral boundaries and women's reservation in legislatures—and for the first time, caste data from all communities will be collected nationwide.