16th census to be held in two phases beginning from 1st October 2026

The Government of India has officially notified the schedule for the upcoming Census, a crucial nationwide exercise that captures the demographic, social, and economic profile of the country. As per the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the reference date for the Census will be 1st March 2027 across most of the country. However, exceptions have been made for snow-bound and non-synchronous areas—including the Union Territory of Ladakh, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and the States of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand—where the reference date will be 1st October 2026. The term reference date refers to the specific day on which population and household data is recorded, ensuring consistency across all regions.

The Census will be conducted in two distinct phases. The first phase, known as the House Listing Operation, will involve the collection of information about housing conditions, household assets, and access to amenities. This sets the groundwork for understanding the infrastructure status and living conditions across various regions. The second phase, called the Population Enumeration, will gather detailed demographic, socio-economic, cultural, and personal data from each individual in every household. Significantly, this Census will also include Caste enumeration, aiming to provide comprehensive insights into the country’s social structure.

To manage this massive operation, the government will deploy around 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, along with approximately 1.3 lakh Census functionaries. These personnel will be responsible for carrying out fieldwork and ensuring accuracy in data collection.

For the first time, the Census will be conducted using digital technology, through specially developed mobile applications. This digital shift is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline data handling. Additionally, a Self-enumeration option will be introduced, allowing individuals to fill in their own household and personal information online—bringing convenience and encouraging greater participation.

In light of privacy and data protection concerns, the government has assured that stringent data security protocols will be implemented at all stages—from collection and transmission to storage—to safeguard the sensitive information gathered.

This will be India’s 16th national Census since the exercise began and the eighth Census since Independence. It marks a significant step forward not only in the use of technology for governance but also in the comprehensive mapping of India's evolving socio-economic landscape.