Census 2027: Houselisting operations to take place between April 1-September 30 across all States, UTs

The first phase of Census 2027 will take place between April 1-September 30, 2026, as per a notification by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India on Wednesday (January 7, 2026).

“Houselisting operations will be conducted between 1 April 2026 and 30 September 2026 across all States and Union Territories, during a 30-day period specified by each State/UT,” the notification read further.

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Provision for self-enumeration will be available for a period of 15 days prior to the commencement of house-to-house houselisting, as per the schedule notified by each State/UT, it added.

This will be the first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in independent India. Additionally, the government had said the Census will have a focused and wider publicity campaign for nationwide awareness, inclusive participation, last-mile engagement and support for field operations. The Union Cabinet in December 2025 had approved the proposal for conducting Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore.