Overview

• The census will run in two phases with reference dates set for October 1, 2026 in snow-bound regions and March 1, 2027 across the rest of India.
• Caste enumeration will return for the first time since 1931 after the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs approved its inclusion on April 30.
• Citizens can self-report information through an online portal as the exercise relies on handheld devices and digital forms.
• The official gazette notification is scheduled for publication on June 16, 2025 under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948.
• Collected figures will underpin the next delimitation of parliamentary seats and shape future reservation measures, with final data anticipated by 2030.