Pre-test for digital census begins in Kerala

The pre-test for India’s first-ever digital census has begun in Kerala. Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts have been selected as sample areas.

The exercise, conducted under the provisions of the Census Act of 1948, marks the first phase of preparations for the 2027 Census. Following the notification issued by the Union government, Kerala has initiated the groundwork for the digital transition.

In Palakkad district, the pre-test is being carried out in the tribal villages of Kallamala and Sholayur under the Attappady tribal taluk office while in Idukki, it is taking place in Irattayar village under Udumbanchola taluk. In Ernakulam, the exercise covers Wards 1 to 4 of the the Kochi Corporation. District Collectors have been appointed as Principal Census Officers and the tahsildars of Udumbanchola and Attappady taluks, along with the secretary of the Kochi Corporation, have been designated as Charge Officers. Enumerators will collect data directly from households.

The digital census will be conducted in two stages, the House Listing and Housing Census, followed by the Population Enumeration. Data collection will be carried out through mobile applications. A Census Monitoring and Management System (CMMS) web portal has been established to track the progress of census operations in real time.

The pre-test aims to identify and address potential challenges related to the use of digital tools and system design, ensuring the smooth implementation of the nationwide census. Sample areas were carefully chosen to represent diverse conditions, including remote, hilly, and coastal regions, as well as areas with connectivity issues and densely populated settlements.

Georgekutty P.V., Joint Director of Census Operations Kerala, has urged the public to cooperate by providing accurate information to ensure the success of the pre-test. Citizens were also given an opportunity for self-enumeration from November 1 to 7, 2025, while the pre-test will continue till November 30.