India’s First Digital Census Will Start on Wednesday with 8 Locations and 33 Questions

India is about to launch its first totally digital census, which will represent a significant change in the way demographic data is gathered and handled. On April 1, eight states and Union Territories will start the first phase, known as the House Listing and Housing Census. 33 in-depth questions concerning homes, living conditions, and availability to essential utilities will be posed to citizens.

Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan, Registrar General and Census Commissioner, informed the media that the Census will be carried out in two stages. Housing details are the focus of the first phase, while individual-level data, including caste information, will be captured electronically for the first time in the second phase, Population Enumeration.

To ensure accuracy and efficiency, almost 30 lakh enumerators will use mobile applications accessible on the iOS and Android platforms. The software is accessible in rural and distant areas because it supports 16 languages and can operate without internet connectivity.

Additionally, citizens can self-enumerate by going to the official portal and electronically entering their information. A distinct Self-Enumeration ID will be created upon submission and can be given to census officials during verification visits.Key information like building identification, housing materials (floor, wall, roof), ownership status, number of residents, water and sanitation facilities, cooking fuel, married couples, and access to digital and transport assets like the internet, smartphones, cars, and appliances are all included in the Phase 1 questionnaire.

Live-in couples would be counted as married couples “if they consider their relationship as a stable union,” according to the Census portal’s FAQs section.  During the first phase, the Self-Enumeration form will be made available 15 days prior to the enumerator’s visit, enabling residents to use the digital platform to submit their information ahead of time.

Officials have emphasized that participation is free of documentation requirements and that all information gathered would be kept completely private. The Census’s reference date is slated for midnight on March 1, 2027, while the housing phase will take place between April and September of 2026, with state-specific deadlines.With nearly 6.39 lakh administrative units participating at the grassroots level and a budget of Rs 11,718.24 crore, the Census is being positioned as a crucial national exercise that would influence future development planning and legislation.

Calling the Census a work of national importance, the Registrar General and Census Commissioner asked residents to fully participate and provide correct information.