The Government of India will conduct the 16th Population Census in 2027 in two phases, including caste enumeration for the first time since 1931. The census will begin with house listing in October 2026 in snow-bound areas, followed by population enumeration across the rest of the country in March 2027.

This fully digital census will provide vital data to support policy decisions, delimitation, and women’s reservation implementation.

Key Points:

• The 16th Population Census will be conducted in two phases: house listing in October 2026 and population enumeration in March 2027.
• Snow-bound regions such as Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will be covered in the first phase starting October 1, 2026.
• For the first time since 1931, the census will include caste enumeration to collect detailed data on caste composition.
• The census will be fully digital, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in data collection and processing.
• The data will aid future delimitation exercises and the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, supporting informed governance and resource allocation.