Union Cabinet approves Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore; first digital Census
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved on 12 December 2025 the conduct of the Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore, the country's first Census by digital means.
Summary
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved on 12 December 2025 the proposal to conduct the Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore. The Census will run in two phases: Houselisting and Housing Census from April to September 2026, and Population Enumeration in February 2027 (September 2026 for Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand). Census 2027 will be the first Census by digital means, using mobile apps and a Census Management & Monitoring System (CMMS) portal, with an option to self-enumerate, and it will capture caste data electronically during Population Enumeration. About 30 lakh field functionaries will be deployed.
Key facts
- Date
- 12 December 2025
- Cost
- ₹11,718.24 crore
- Phase I
- Houselisting & Housing Census, April–September 2026
- Phase II
- Population Enumeration, February 2027
- Snow-bound areas
- Enumeration in September 2026
- Field functionaries
- About 30 lakh
- Firsts
- First digital Census; caste data captured in Phase II
Practice MCQs 2 questions
At what cost did the Union Cabinet approve the Census of India 2027 on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹11,718.24 crore
PIB 2202983: the Cabinet approved conducting the Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Census of India 2027 approved on 12 December 2025: 1. Houselisting and Housing Census will be held from April to September 2026. 2. Caste data will be captured during the Houselisting phase. 3. Population Enumeration in Ladakh will be held in September 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2202983: Houselisting runs April–September 2026; Population Enumeration is in February 2027 but September 2026 for Ladakh and snow-bound areas; caste data is captured in the second phase (Population Enumeration), not Houselisting.