🇮🇳 India Prepares for Its Most Ambitious Census Yet — After a 6-Year Delay

India, home to more than 1.46 billion people, is finally preparing to conduct its long-overdue population census—the first in over a decade. Originally scheduled for 2021, the census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges. Now, after six years, the country is gearing up for its first-ever fully digital, paperless census, marking a major step forward in how population data is collected and analyzed.

👥 How Will the Census Be Conducted?

The census will take place in two phases:

• First Round – October 2026: Will collect data on household conditions, assets, income, utilities, and living standards.
• Second Round – March 2027: Will gather demographic and socio-economic data including age, gender, education, and employment.

To ensure the accuracy of the data, India is reportedly planning to seal its borders and restrict inter-state movement before the census begins.

⏲ How Big Is the Operation?

This will be one of the largest administrative exercises in the world:

• More than 3.4 million enumerators (data collectors) will be deployed across the country.
• The final results are expected to be published within six months after the census concludes.

🤖 A Technological Leap Forward

This is India's first fully digital census. Key features include:

• Mobile apps used by enumerators for real-time data entry.
• Self-enumeration portal for citizens to submit their details online.
• A unique code for those who self-enumerate, which must be shown to field workers for verification.
• Support for 15 Indian languages within the app.
• An offline mode for regions with limited or no internet connectivity.

📝 New Data Points to Be Collected

The 2026–27 census will go beyond traditional data collection. New questions include:

• Access to the internet
• Ownership of smartphones and other digital devices
• Use of telecommunication services

🪙 What Is the Cost of the Census?

India is investing an estimated $1.56 billion USD in this paperless census—its most expensive and advanced census operation ever.

This census won’t just count people—it will inform the nation’s plans for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and digital development for years to come.