New Delhi, June 16, 2025 – The Indian government is set to issue the official gazette notification for the 16th Census of India today, marking a significant step towards the nation’s first fully digital census, scheduled for 2027. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed preparations with senior officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Registrar General & Census Commissioner Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, on Sunday. This census, the eighth since India’s independence, introduces caste enumeration for the first time, a historic move aimed at addressing socio-economic disparities. Conducted after a 16-year gap due to the Covid-19 delay of the 2021 census, the exercise will deploy 34 lakh enumerators and 1.3 lakh functionaries using mobile applications. With stringent data security measures and a self-enumeration option, the census promises to modernise data collection while ensuring inclusivity, setting a global benchmark for digital enumeration in a diverse democracy.

16th Census Notification Today: 10 Important Points

Census Notification Issued Today:

The official gazette notification for the 16th Census of India will be published on 16 June 2025, initiating preparations for the 2027 census.

First-Time Caste Enumeration:

For the first time, the census will include caste enumeration, aiming to provide insights into socio-economic disparities across communities.

Fully Digital Operation:

The census will be conducted entirely through mobile applications, marking India’s first fully digital demographic exercise.

Self-Enumeration Option:

Citizens will have the option to self-enumerate via digital platforms, enhancing accessibility and participation.

Massive Workforce Deployment:

Approximately 34 lakh enumerators and supervisors, supported by 1.3 lakh census functionaries, will execute the operation.

Two-Phase Process:

The census comprises the Houselisting Operation (HLO) for household data and Population Enumeration (PE) for demographic details.

Reference Dates Set:

The reference date is 1 March 2027, with 1 October 2026 for snow-bound areas like Ladakh.

Stringent Data Security:

Robust protocols, including end-to-end encryption, will ensure data security during collection, transmission, and storage, as per sources.

Post-Covid Delay:

The census, delayed from 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, follows the 2011 census after a 16-year gap.

Global Benchmark Potential:

If successful, this digital census could set a model for large-scale enumeration in democratic nations.