India Census 2027 Pre-Test from November 10 to 30
The Registrar General of India has announced the first pre-test phase of Census 2027, which will take place from November 10 to November 30, 2025. This phase will focus on house listing and housing census and will be conducted across all states and union territories.
The objective of the pre-test is to assess the methods of data collection, logistics, training, and digital tools that will be used in the main census. The test will also evaluate the use of mobile applications for data collection and allow citizens to participate through self-enumeration.
Background and Timeline
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification in June 2025, laying the groundwork for the upcoming census. According to the notification, the Census will be conducted in two phases:
- Phase 1: Starting from October 1, 2026 — covering hilly states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- Phase 2: Beginning on March 1, 2027 — covering all other states and union territories.
Inclusion of Caste-Based Enumeration
On April 30, 2025, the Indian government announced the inclusion of caste-based enumeration for the first time since independence. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the caste census would be conducted along with the main population census.
Historical Context
Previously, a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011 during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh government. It was led by the Ministry of Rural Development, Urban Development, and Home Affairs. However, the data was never fully released. Only SC/ST household data is currently available on the Rural Development Ministry's website.