First phase of Census to begin April 1; no documents required: RGI

The government on Monday announced that the first phase of the upcoming India Census will commence from April 1, 2026, with officials clarifying that citizens will not be required to submit any documents for the process. Addressing a press conference on population enumeration under India’s eighth Census since independence, Registrar General of India (RGI) and Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan said that, for the first time, an option for self-enumeration has been introduced, allowing citizens to digitally submit their information during a 15-day window preceding the Houselisting and Housing Census phase. The option will be available only to residents within the country.Providing further details about the 2027 Census, Narayan said that enumerators will use personal mobile phones to collect data, while the self-enumeration portal will be available in 16 languages. A 16-digit ID will be generated for those opting for self-enumeration, which must be shared with the enumerator during their visit for verification. He reiterated that no documents or proof will be required to be submitted during the Census enumeration.

VIDEO | Delhi: On upcoming Census 2027, Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Mritunjay Kumar Narayan says, “This time, through self-enumeration, people can digitally enter their own information. There will be a 15-day period before the house-to-house activity begins… pic.twitter.com/HlAiXTOzJr

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 30, 2026

The Census exercise will be conducted in two phases, beginning with the Houselisting and Housing Census. Officials noted that preparations for the nationwide exercise are in advanced stages, with fieldwork set to begin in several states shortly.In a major push towards digitisation, data collection will be carried out through digital platforms, making the process more efficient and accessible. To ensure data security, the government has designated Census data centres as ‘Critical Information Infrastructure’, strengthening safeguards around sensitive information.
Officials also emphasised the strict confidentiality of data collected during the Census. Citing provisions under the Census Act, authorities stated that individual information cannot be disclosed under the RTI Act, used as evidence in courts, or shared with any institution.“The Census Act contains a significant provision—Section 15—under which personal information provided is treated as strictly confidential. It cannot be made public under the RTI Act, used as evidence in any court of law, or shared with any institution,” Narayan said.Assuring that Census data will remain confidential, Narayan urged citizens to provide accurate information. “There is no scope of investigation of data provided during Census,” he added.
This will be the first Census exercise since 2011, as the one scheduled for 2021 was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The government plans to publish the majority of Census data in 2027. Around 31 lakh enumerators are expected to be deployed across the country to carry out the exercise.

(Senior Journalist)