The plan and budget for the 2027 Census of India have already been approved by the Union Cabinet of India, with provisions to spend approximately ₹11,718 crore on the exercise. The decennial census, considered the largest administrative and statistical exercise in the world, will be conducted in two phases: house listing and housing enumeration, scheduled to take place between April and September 2026, followed by population enumeration in February 2027. It will be India's first all-digital census, utilising mobile applications and digital technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency, including electronic caste enumeration. The scheme will deploy nearly 30 lakh field workers across the country.
Key Highlights Census of India 2027
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The next decennial census exercise in India was approved by the Union Cabinet.
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It will be carried out in two stages, namely House-listing (2026) and Population Enumeration (2027).
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An initial complete census, based on mobile applications and web data collection.
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Self-enumeration may be provided to citizens.
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Electronic caste listing to be provided.
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Almost 30 lakh enumerators and supervisors will be spread throughout the country.
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Information to aid in planning policies, welfare programs and governance in India.
All Important Questions Based on the Census of India (PYQs)
| Exam Name | Year | Question | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | 2019 | Which Ministry is responsible for conducting the Census of India? | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| SSC CHSL | 2020 | Under which Act is the Census of India conducted? | Census Act, 1948 |
| UPSC Prelims | 2018 | Who is the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India? | An officer under the Ministry of Home Affairs |
| SSC GD | 2021 | How often is the Census conducted in India? | Every 10 years |
| State PCS | 2017 | When was the first Census conducted in India? | 1872 |
| UPSC Prelims | 2021 | Which was the first synchronous census in India? | Census of 1881 |
| SSC CPO | 2022 | Census data is primarily used for which purpose? | Policy planning and governance |
| RRB NTPC | 2020 | Which Census was the last fully completed Census of India? | Census 2011 |
| SSC MTS | 2023 | The Census of India includes which type of data? | Population, housing, socio-economic data |
Expected Question for the Census of India
Which authority conducts the Census of India?
A) NITI Aayog
B) Ministry of Statistics
C) Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
D) Election Commission of India
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The census is conducted by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
When was the first Census conducted in India?
A) 1872
B) 1881
C) 1901
D) 1911
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The first census in India was conducted in 1872, though it was not synchronous.
Which was the first synchronous Census of India?
A) 1872
B) 1878
C) 1881
D) 1891
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The 1881 Census was the first synchronous census conducted across India.
What type of information is collected during the Census?
A) Only population count
B) Only economic data
C) Population, housing, and socio-economic data
D) Only literacy data
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Census collects comprehensive demographic and socio-economic information.
Which year will witness India’s first fully digital Census?
A) 2011
B) 2021
C) 2027
D) 2031
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Census 2027 will be the first completely digital census of India.
What does self-enumeration in Census 2027 mean?
A) Enumeration only by officials
B) Citizens filling in details online themselves
C) Only the rural population covered
D) Only the urban population is covered
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Self-enumeration allows citizens to submit their own data digitally.
Conclusion
The approval by the Union Cabinet for the conduct of the Census of India 2027 is a significant move towards enhancing data-driven governance. With a full digital process, self-enumeration and coverage across the geographical areas of India, the census will serve as a source of accurate demographic information, which is critical for proper policy planning and equitable allocation of resources and future developmental strategies in India.
