India's 2027 Census to be the First Fully Digital Census with Geo-tagging and Caste Enumeration
India's 2027 Census will be the first to be conducted entirely online, featuring digital data collection via smartphones, geo-tagging of all buildings, and inclusion of caste data for the first time since 1931. The census will be conducted in two phases with extensive use of mobile applications for data capture, self-enumeration options, and real-time error checking to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
The 2027 Census in India marks a historic shift as the nation's first fully digital census exercise, leveraging advanced technology to streamline data collection and processing. Approximately 34 lakh enumerators will use dedicated mobile apps on their smartphones to capture data, available in multiple regional languages and designed for both Android and iOS platforms. The new digital process includes direct data transfer to central servers and a specially developed online portal for households choosing self-enumeration. A key innovation is the geo-tagging of every building across the country using Digital Layout Mapping (DLM) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), replacing traditional manual mapping and ensuring precise location tagging for each structure. This will significantly reduce duplication and improve data accuracy. The census also includes caste enumeration for all communities for the first time since 1931, adding a crucial demographic layer for policy making. The census will proceed in two phases: houselisting including housing and asset details from April to September 2026, followed by population enumeration starting February 2027 in most states. This census will feature real-time data validation with alerts for inconsistencies and standardized coding systems replacing previous handwritten entries, enabling faster computerized processing. The Registrar General of India has allocated a budget of Rs 14,618.95 crore and developed a real-time monitoring website to manage the massive undertaking. Preparations include state-level coordination committees and pilot pre-tests, ensuring a smooth transition to this landmark digital census.
