Cabinet Approves ₹11,718.24 Crore for Digital Census 2027

On December 12, 2025, the Union Cabinet approved ₹11,718.24 crore for conducting Census 2027, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced during a press briefing in New Delhi. The upcoming Census will be India’s first fully digital census, designed with robust data protection measures.

It will be conducted in two phases: House Listing and Housing Census from April to September 2026, followed by Population Enumeration in February 2027. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major step in modernising India’s demographic data collection.

Structure and Timeline of Census 2027

The Census will be carried out in two distinct phases to ensure comprehensive coverage. Phase 1, scheduled between April and September 2026, will focus on house listing and housing details. Phase 2, planned for February 2027, will involve population enumeration across the country.

For Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, population enumeration will take place in September 2026 due to climatic constraints. This phased approach aims to streamline operations and improve accuracy in data collection.

Digital Framework and Technology Integration

Census 2027 will be India’s first digital census, incorporating advanced technology for data collection and monitoring. A dedicated mobile application will be used by enumerators to capture information electronically, while a central portal will oversee real-time progress.

The government has introduced a “Census-as-a-Service” (CaaS) model to deliver clean, machine-readable, and actionable data to ministries. These measures are expected to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure secure handling of sensitive demographic information.

Inclusion of Caste Enumeration

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs had earlier decided to include caste enumeration in Census 2027. This data will be captured electronically during the second phase of population enumeration.

The inclusion of caste details aims to provide a more comprehensive demographic profile of India, addressing social and policy-related challenges. The move reflects the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for accurate and inclusive data collection.

Read More: Maharashtra Government Announces 2026 Public Holiday Calendar.

Conclusion

Census 2027 will be the 16th national census and the eighth since independence, marking a significant shift toward digital transformation in demographic surveys. With a budget of ₹11,718.24 crore and a robust technological framework, the exercise is expected to deliver secure, efficient, and actionable data.

The inclusion of caste enumeration and phased execution underscores the government’s focus on comprehensive and transparent data collection. This initiative will play a critical role in shaping future policies and development strategies.

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