The Central Government has begun preparations for the 2027 Census and has notified the 40 questions to be asked during the first phase of the population enumeration. For the first time, the Census will collect comprehensive caste-related information across the country, along with details of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and COVID-19 vaccination.
Key Caste-Related Information
According to an order issued by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, details will be recorded on whether each individual belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe and, where applicable, their caste. The 2027 Census will therefore mark a significant step toward collecting comprehensive caste data at the national level.
COVID-19 Vaccination Details
The Census will also collect information on where individuals received their COVID-19 vaccination. The inclusion of vaccination-related information in the population enumeration is one of the notable features of the upcoming Census.
Special Schedule for Snow-Bound Areas
Census operations will begin earlier in snow-covered and difficult-to-access regions. Enumeration will be conducted from September 1 to September 30 in Ladakh, as well as selected snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Before this, residents will be given an opportunity to self-enumerate their details online from August 17 to August 31.
Census in Other States in February
In the remaining parts of the country, the Census will be conducted in February 2027. The exercise will be carried out in two phases.
In the first phase, details related to houses and households will be collected. The second phase will focus on individual-level demographic, social and economic information.
2027 Census to Be Conducted Digitally
The 2027 Census will be the 16th Census of India and the eighth Census since Independence. Another major feature will be its digital-first approach.
Data will primarily be collected through mobile devices. However, provisions will also be available for manual recording of information wherever required.
Schedule Changed After 2021 Census Was Postponed
The Census scheduled for 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the 2027 Census has gained particular significance.
The collection of caste, SC and ST information, COVID-19 vaccination details, and the use of digital technology for data collection are expected to be among the key features of the upcoming population Census.
