India will start the first phase of its 16th decennial Census on April 1, 2026, with Houselisting Operations and Housing Census, as per a letter released by Registrar General and Census Commissioner Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan. The letter, which has been addressed to all chief secretaries of states and Union Territories, mentions preparatory measures to be undertaken in advance, such as the recruitment and field deployment of enumerators and supervisors in coordination with local administrations.
Two-Phase Census Using Digital Mechanisms
The Census shall be conducted in two phases. The first phase shall enumerate housing conditions, amenities, and household possessions, while the second phase, to be held on February 1, 2027, shall entail Population Enumeration—socio-economic, cultural, and demographic details of all persons.
For the first time ever, the Census will be digitally carried out through mobile applications, and an option of self-enumeration shall also be made available to residents.
Caste Enumeration and Manpower Details
The Census shall also conduct Caste enumeration, which was announced earlier by the government. To administer the exercise, more than 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors and 1.3 lakh Census functionaries shall be positioned across the country.
Detailed Infrastructure and Household Data to be Captured
Enumerators will inquire about a range of household amenities and assets, such as:
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Phones, internet, vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles, cars, etc.)
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Appliances like radios, TVs, transistors
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Cereal consumption, drinking water sources, and lighting
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Sanitation facilities, kitchen and bathing arrangements, and fuel types
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Structural details such as floor, roof, and wall materials
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Occupancy details, number of rooms, married couples, female-headed households, and SC/ST status
A Milestone Census Post-Independence
This is India’s 16th Census altogether and the eighth since Independence. With a huge operation scale and integration of digital resources, the 2026 Census will have the target of presenting an extensive picture of the nation’s households.
