Census 2027 Phase I: 33 Key Questions You Need to Know Starting April 1
The Census 2027 in India kicks off its first phase on April 1, 2026, focusing on houselisting and housing enumeration with 33 specific questions. This comprehensive data collection will cover housing conditions, household amenities, assets, and demographics, notified by Registrar General Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan.[1][2]
Overview of Census 2027 and Phase I Timeline
Delayed from 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Census 2027 is a two-phase exercise. Phase I, houselisting operations, runs over a 30-day period set by each state and Union Territory between April 1 and September 30, 2026. A 15-day self-enumeration window precedes field operations.[1][2][3]
Phase II, population enumeration including caste data, begins February 1, 2027. The full process aims to complete data collection by March 1, 2027, with results taking 2-3 years.[3][4] This census introduces digital elements and updated questions on internet access and mobile numbers, differing from 2011 by omitting banking services.[3]
The 33 Questions: A Detailed Breakdown
The questionnaire captures granular details on housing, household composition, basic amenities, consumer patterns, and assets. Here’s the full list as notified:
- Building number (Municipal or local authority or census number)
- Census house number
- Predominant material of floor of the census house
- Predominant material of wall of the census house
- Predominant material of roof of the census house
- Ascertain use of census house
- Condition of the census house
- Household number
- Total number of persons normally residing in the household
- Name of the head of the household
- Sex of the head of the household
- Whether the head of the household belongs to Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other
- Ownership status of the census house
- Number of dwelling rooms exclusively in possession of the household
- Number of married couple(s) living in the household
- Main source of drinking water
- Availability of drinking water source
- Main source of lighting
- Access to latrine
- Type of latrine
- Waste water outlet
- Availability of bathing facility
- Availability of kitchen and LPG/PNG connection
- Main fuel used for cooking
- Radio/Transistor
- Television
- Access to internet
- Laptop/Computer
- Telephone/Mobile Phone/Smartphone
- Bicycle/Scooter/Motorcycle/Moped
- Car/Jeep/Van
- Main cereal consumed in the household
- Mobile number (for census-related communications only)
These questions provide insights into living standards, from construction materials and ownership to modern amenities like smartphones and internet.[1][5]
Why This Data Matters: Implications for Policy and Society
Housing and Amenities Insights
Questions on materials, condition, and facilities like water, lighting, and sanitation will highlight infrastructure gaps, aiding urban planning and welfare schemes.[2][7]
Demographic and Asset Mapping
Household head details, including SC/ST status, room counts, and assets like vehicles or gadgets, enable targeted socio-economic interventions.[4][5]
Consumption and Digital Divide
New queries on cereal consumption, cooking fuel, and digital access reflect lifestyle changes and support policies on food security, energy, and digital inclusion.[3][6]
As a Chartered Accountant, note that this data influences resource allocation, taxation, and business planning. Accurate responses ensure reliable statistics for India’s development.[1][2]
Prepare by gathering documents on your home and assets. Cooperate with enumerators to make this decadal exercise successful.