India's next census goes digital (and adds caste data)

India Jan 08, 2026

India's big population count is finally happening—digitally!
After being pushed back by COVID-19, the 2027 Census kicks off with houselisting from April to September 2026.
For the first time ever, around 30 lakh enumerators will use mobile apps to collect info on homes, assets, and amenities across the country.

What's new this time?

This census is making history by including caste data electronically for the first time since 1931—a major move approved last year.
The main population count starts February 2027 (with special dates for snowbound regions), and everything's running on a budget of ₹11,718 crore.
With India last counted at about 1.21 billion people in 2011, this digital upgrade could change how we understand our country.