Census advanced in four poll-bound States, deferred in Manipur
The Indian government has scheduled the 2027 Census enumeration for February, with an advanced phase beginning in November 2026 for four poll-bound states. This census will introduce 13 new questions, including the first-ever collection of caste data outside of Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Why it matters
The inclusion of caste data and new digital literacy questions will significantly impact future social policy and resource allocation in India.
The Union government on Saturday (September 5, 2026) advanced the Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027 in the poll-bound States of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa, scheduling the exercise from November 16, 2026, to January 4, 2027, ahead of the nationwide enumeration planned for February 2027. The government also formally deferred the Census exercise in Manipur “till further declaration.”
The second phase of Census 2027 will have 40 questions and include an open-ended field for recording caste details. Respondents will also have the option of either not disclosing their caste or stating that they do not belong to any caste. This is the first time that caste, other than Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, will be enumerated in Independent India.
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