Census 2027 enters next phase as RGI notifies second nationwide pre-test

New Delhi: The Registrar General of India (RGI) has notified the second pre-test of the second phase of the Census of India 2027 in the states and Union Territories.

The notification issued on Saturday by RGI states: "In exercise of the powers conferred by the Census Act, 1948, the central government hereby extends the provisions of the said Act for the conduct of the pre-test of Population Enumeration in selected sample areas, which shall be conducted from July 6, 2026, to July 18, 2026, with a revisional round from July 19, 2026, to July 20, 2026."

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The second clause of the notification states: "There shall be an option for self-enumeration from July 1, 2026, to July 5, 2026."

Over the past two months, during the first phase of the Census 2027 exercise, house-listing operations (HLO) have been carried out across 19 states and five UTs, according to officials. Census 2027 is being conducted using digital tools for the first time while retaining the traditional door-to-door enumeration process to ensure comprehensive and accurate coverage.

During field visits, enumerators are collecting data digitally through a dedicated mobile application, according to officials.

During this phase, information relating to housing conditions, household details, available amenities and assets possessed by households is being collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 33 notified questions. The data collected form an important basis for evidence-based planning and implementation of welfare and development programmes, officials added.

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All data collected under the Census Act, 1948, remains strictly confidential and is used solely for statistical purposes and development planning. Residents in the notified states and UTs have been requested to extend full cooperation to enumerators during the house-listing operations and actively participate in this important national exercise.

During the exercise, the self-enumeration facility, introduced in census process, has received an encouraging response from the public. More than 1.44 crore households have already completed self-enumeration through the official portal (se. census. gov. in) across 25 states and UTs in the first phase. The initiative marks a significant step towards the digitisation of census operations and offers residents a convenient and secure platform to participate in the census process, according to officials.