India’s Next Census 2027: First Digital Census with Caste Count
Why in the news
The Union Home Ministry said the country’s next population Census will take place by March 1, 2027, ending a 16-year wait since 2011.
Key facts
- Format: first-ever digital Census, run in two phases.
- Caste: first Census since Independence to enumerate caste.
- Frequency: decennial (every 10 years); covers every household, village, ward, town and city.
About the Census
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Census Act, 1948; Census Rules, 1990 |
| Conducting body | Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India |
| Nodal ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Constitutional placement | Union List Entry 69, Seventh Schedule |
It records demographic, economic and socio-cultural data used for planning at every level of governance.
Significance
- NSO sample surveys still rely on 2011-based frames; fresh data will improve their representativeness on consumption, health and labour.
- Gives a truer urbanisation rate, said to be underestimated since 2011, and clearer gender composition.
- Replaces the 1971-Census-based delimitation of Lok Sabha seats, as the Constitution requires after 2026.
Exam angle
- Governing law: Census Act, 1948. Entry: Union List 69.
- Gap since last Census: 16 years.