Key Facts
The first phase of Census 2027 — the house listing and housing census (HLO) — has been completed in 23 states and union territories, according to a government statement released on Tuesday. The ₹11,718 crore digital census exercise is being conducted in two phases: the current house listing phase and the subsequent population enumeration phase.
Himachal Pradesh Begins Field Operations
In Himachal Pradesh, field operations for the house listing phase commenced on Tuesday. The state is among several where door-to-door enumeration is already underway, including Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry, and Uttar Pradesh. The HLO phase, which started on April 1, will continue until September 30, covering all structures, houses, and households across the country.
Self-Enumeration in Kerala and Nagaland
A 15-day self-enumeration process is currently active in Kerala and Nagaland, allowing residents to fill in the questionnaire online. Following this, field enumerators will conduct physical verification from July 1 to July 30. Citizens who have completed self-enumeration are advised to keep their generated ID ready to share with the enumerator, streamlining the verification process. Households that did not opt for self-enumeration will be covered during the house-to-house visits.
Digital First: Mobile App and Online Portal
For the first time, the census is fully digital. Enumerators will use a special mobile application to collect data, while citizens can self-enumerate via a dedicated website. During the house listing, enumerators will ask 33 questions covering basic facilities, head of household details (name, sex), ownership status, and more.
Timeline and Phases
Each state and union territory can choose a 15-day self-enumeration window followed by 30 days of field operations between April 1 and September 30. The second phase — population enumeration — will take place in February 2027, recording demographic, social, economic, and caste-related particulars. The reference date for most states is March 1, 2027, but for Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, it is October 1, 2026.
What Readers Should Know
- Phase 1 (house listing) completed in 23 states/UTs as of June 16, 2026.
- Himachal Pradesh field operations have started; residents should cooperate with enumerators.
- Self-enumeration is available via the official census website; keep your ID ready.
- The census is fully digital; enumerators use a mobile app.
- Population enumeration phase begins February 2027.
FAQ
What is the first phase of Census 2027?
The first phase is house listing and housing census (HLO), which involves listing all structures and households, and collecting data on basic amenities.
How many states have completed Phase 1?
As of June 16, 2026, 23 states and union territories have completed the house listing phase.
When will the population enumeration phase begin?
The second phase (population enumeration) will be conducted in February 2027, with the reference date being March 1, 2027 for most states.
Is self-enumeration available for Census 2027?
Yes, for the first time, citizens can self-enumerate via a dedicated website, generate an ID, and share it with the enumerator for verification.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com