The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Monday that India's long-delayed population census will be conducted in two phases — the first beginning on October 1, 2026, and the second on March 1, 2027. This will be the country’s first census since 2011, as the 2021 edition was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a government notification, preparations are underway for this massive data collection exercise, which is critical for planning and policy decisions across sectors such as healthcare, education, employment, and infrastructure.

The upcoming census will be the first to use digital tools, combining both traditional data collection methods and technology-driven processes. Enumerators are expected to use handheld devices to gather information from every household across the country, ensuring faster and more accurate data recording.

This move signals the government’s commitment to reviving the census process, which plays a vital role in determining the allocation of resources and governance strategies.