India has officially commenced its national census, marking the first time the country is conducting the entire process through digital platforms. Announced by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, this initiative is recognized as the largest digital demographic study ever undertaken globally. The final findings of this extensive data collection effort are expected to be released in 2027.

The initial phase of the operation is currently focused on housing conditions and household assets. Field officers are utilizing a comprehensive 33-question survey to evaluate the living standards and property ownership of residents across the nation. The second phase, slated for February 2027, will shift focus toward gathering individual demographic data, including income levels, migration patterns, and vital statistics, to provide a holistic view of the population's structure.

A key innovation in this census is the deployment of a specialized mobile application designed to operate without a constant internet connection. This offline capability ensures that data from the most remote and underserved regions can be accurately recorded and synchronized later. Furthermore, the government has included a specific provision to count the number of various castes for the first time, an essential metric for tailoring socio-economic policies to specific community needs.

With a budget exceeding $1.25 billion, this marks the 16th national census since India's independence and the first full-scale count since 2011. Given that the previous census recorded a population of approximately 1.21 billion, the updated 2026 data is critical for urban planning, resource allocation, and identifying the developmental requirements of the world’s most populous democracy.