With the official gazette notification issued on June 16, 2025, preparations for the dual-phase census are in full swing. Touted as the globe’s biggest census operation, it breaks new ground by going completely digital, complete with self-enumeration facilities for the public.

Citizens can now access a robust online portal to input their information in any of 16 languages before enumerators arrive. A unique ID issued post-registration allows seamless verification during fieldwork, reducing errors and saving time.

The launch spotlighted four innovative platforms developed by C-DAC: the HLBC web app for block creation, HLO mobile app, self-enumeration portal, and a comprehensive management dashboard. These systems will revolutionize how census activities are planned, executed, and monitored, prioritizing transparency and precision.

Pragati and Vikas aren’t just mascots; they’re symbols of inclusive growth, highlighting gender parity in India’s journey to a developed economy by 2047. Expect these approachable characters to educate and engage communities on census participation through various media.

Phase one rolls out between April and September 2026 for housing and asset listings. Phase two hits in February 2027 for full population counts, delving into demographics, economics, and social metrics. Over 3 million personnel will fan out across the country, armed with secure apps to capture data house by house.

This tech-driven approach positions Census 2027 as a benchmark for efficiency and reliability, empowering better governance and resource allocation for years ahead.

The government has announced an innovative self-enumeration window for citizens, allowing them to submit personal details digitally between November 1 and 7, 2025. This digital option aims to streamline data collection and enhance public participation in what is set to be India’s first digital census. The Ministry of Home Affairs has invoked provisions of the Census Act, 1948, to facilitate this preparatory stage.

The full Census 2027 will be carried out in two major phases: Houselisting and Housing Schedule (HLO) from April 1, 2026, and Population Enumeration (PE) between April 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027. The pre-test is critical for refining digital platforms, survey methodologies, training programs, and logistical planning. For the first time, the Census will also include an enumeration of caste at the national level, promising a more comprehensive demographic profile.

Phase 1 will focus on housing conditions and amenities, while Phase 2 will gather detailed demographic, socio-economic, and cultural information. The Population Enumeration is slated to commence on February 1, 2027, with March 1, 2027, serving as the general reference date. Special reference dates are set for snow-bound regions.

This massive undertaking will mobilize over 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, supported by 1.3 lakh officials, making it one of the largest administrative efforts in the country. This will be the sixteenth national Census and the eighth since India’s independence. The previous Census was conducted in 2011, with the 2021 count postponed due to the pandemic. The 2027 Census is poised to deliver an unprecedentedly detailed and technologically advanced dataset to guide future policy decisions in critical areas like health, education, and economic planning.

Attendees of the meeting included representatives from the Bihar General Administration Department, Revenue and Land Reforms Department, Education Department, Finance Department, Planning and Development Department, Social Welfare Department, Panchayati Raj Department, Urban Development and Housing Department, Rural Development Department, Information and Public Relations Department, Information Technology Department, along with District Magistrates from Sitamarhi, Nawada, and Saran.

The meeting involved detailed discussions on the framework of the upcoming 2027 census and, in particular, the organization of pre-testing.

Key points discussed included:

1. Deliberations on the jurisdiction of all 534 rural and 263 urban administrative units in Bihar.
2. The Director of the Census Operations Directorate, Bihar, Patna, stated that no changes would be made to the administrative boundaries of the state from December 31, 2025, until the completion of the 2027 Census on March 31, 2027, in accordance with the notification issued by the state government regarding Boundary Freezing.
3. The 2027 Census of India is to be conducted in two phases: the first phase, involving the listing of houses and their enumeration, is to be completed within 30 days, between April and September 2026, in consultation with and according to the convenience of the state government. The second phase involves the actual enumeration, scheduled between February 9 and 28, 2027.
4. For the first time, the 2027 Census will be conducted entirely in a digital mode. Detailed discussions were held on the following points:
* Updating administrative units through a portal related to jurisdictional changes.
* Preparing appointment letters, identity cards, and digital charge registers for supervisors and enumerators through the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) portal, and conducting supervision and monitoring of census-related work.
* Preparation of House Listing Blocks (HLBs) and Digital Layout Maps (DLM).
* Providing self-enumeration facilities to citizens.
5. Training arrangements will be implemented, with training programs conducted at five levels, including Subject Matter Experts, National Trainers, Master Trainers, Field Trainers, enumerators, and supervisors.
6. Pre-testing is to be conducted in October-November 2025 in three charges of Bihar. A mobile application will be used for the first time for this purpose. The pre-testing will involve the evaluation of the Questionnaire, CMMS portal, HLO and PE mobile app, DLM Mapping App, and HLB Creator Portal.