Census 2027: Will Indians living abroad, migrants and foreign nationals be counted?

India will conduct the population enumeration for Census 2027 in phases, with door-to-door counting in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and parts of Uttarakhand from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027. But what happens if an Indian citizen is abroad during this period?

Indian citizens temporarily travelling abroad may be counted at their usual place of residence if they return during the population enumeration period, according to Sheetal Verma, Uttar Pradesh’s director of census operations, who spoke to The Times of India.

However, Indians who study, work or permanently reside abroad throughout the enumeration period will generally not be included in their family’s household in India merely because they hold Indian passports.


Parents completing self-enumeration should not include children or relatives who ordinarily live abroad. If a family member who is temporarily away returns during the enumeration period and qualifies for inclusion, the household details can be updated when the enumerator visits.

The broader national rule is that people will be recorded at the place where they are found during the enumeration period. The census will also collect information on nationality, place of birth, previous residence, duration of stay and reasons for migration.

Foreign nationals ordinarily residing in India, including students and workers, will be covered under the census exercise. Short-term visitors and diplomatic personnel will be governed by separate rules.

The census records population and residence details, not citizenship. Inclusion in the census does not grant Indian citizenship.

Seasonal migrant workers will be counted at the place where they are residing during the enumeration period. They should inform enumerators at their place of origin to avoid being counted twice.

When will Census 2027 take place?

The population enumeration in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and the non-snow-bound areas of Uttarakhand will take place ahead of the nationwide schedule.

Self-enumeration in these areas will be available from November 16 to 30, 2026. Door-to-door enumeration will be held from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027, followed by a revisional round from January 5 to 9.

Population enumeration in most other parts of India is scheduled for February 2027. The national reference date is midnight at the start of March 1, 2027.