Census 2027: Frequently asked questions on the self- enumeration process

India will conduct Census 2027 across the country, to gather crucial data on its demographics and socio-economic profile of its population. As part of the exercise, a self-enumeration facility has been introduced, which will be available from April 1, 2026.

Census 2027 will be fully digital, with enumerators recording data during household visits using mobile applications. To simplify participation, citizens may also choose the self-enumeration option, which allows them to fill in their details at a time convenient to them.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to Census 2027 and the self enumeration process.

Is it mandatory to participate in the census?

Yes. Participation in the Census is compulsory under the Census Act, 1948. Every household is required to provide accurate information.

Is it compulsory to answer census questions?

Yes. Section 8 of the Census Act, 1948, requires individuals to answer census questions truthfully to the best of their knowledge.

Do I need to show any documents to the enumerator?

No. The enumerator will record details based on the information provided by you. No documentary proof is required. However, respondents are expected to furnish correct and authentic information to the best of their knowledge and belief.

When will Census 2027 data be published?

Preliminary data will be released within a few months of the enumeration, followed by detailed tables and reports in phases.

How can I access Census data?

The data from Census 2027 will be made available on the official Census of India website after the enumeration is completed and results are published. Data from previous censuses can already be accessed at www.censusindia.gov.in.

What information is collected in Census?

There are two phases of data collected during Census 2027. Phase I includes house-listing and housing Census data. This phase collects information on housing conditions, household particulars, availability of amenities such as drinking water, toilets, electricity, cooking fuel, and internet, as well as ownership of assets such as radio, television, computers, two wheelers and four wheelers.

Phase II covers population enumeration, including recording the number of persons in the household and details such as name, age, sex, marital status, caste, religion, education, language, disability, migration, occupation, and fertility particulars for married women.

Will my personal information be kept confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is assured under Section 15 of the Census Act, 1948. Individual information is not shared. Only aggregated data and summaries at various administrative levels such as State, district, sub district and village or town are published.

What is self enumeration?

Self-enumeration allows respondents to complete and submit the census schedule on their own, without an enumerator filling it in for them. The Self Enumeration Portal, developed by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, enables residents to furnish their Census 2027 details online from their homes.

What are the benefits of self enumeration?

Self-enumeration allows individuals to enter their information at their convenience and saves them a lot of time. It can improve accuracy, as respondents provide their own details, offer greater privacy since data are entered directly, reduce the workload of enumerators and contribute to a more efficient census process.

Is self enumeration mandatory?

No. It is optional. Households that do not opt for self enumeration will still be covered by field enumerators. However, citizens are encouraged to use this convenient option.

Can I self enumerate in any language?

The portal supports English and 15 other Indian languages.

Do I need internet to self enumerate?

Yes. An active internet connection is required to access and submit information on the portal.

How do I log in to the Census self enumeration portal?

Select the name of your State or Union Territory on the portal and complete the captcha verification. Enter the name of the head of the household, a mobile number, and an email address if available. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number and email if provided. After selecting the preferred language, enter the OTP to begin the process.

What happens after I submit my information in the self enumeration portal?

Once the submission is complete, a unique Self Enumeration ID (SE ID) will be displayed on the screen. A confirmation message and email are also sent, if an email address was provided. This ID should be preserved and shared with the enumerator during the household visit in the house-listing operations (HLO) phase.

Will the enumerator still visit my house if I self enumerate?

Yes. The enumerator will visit the household. If self enumeration has been completed, the Self Enumeration ID must be shared for verification. The enumerator will then add remaining details such as building number, census house number and use of the census house. After verifying the responses, the data will be finalised and uploaded.

Can I complete self enumeration for my family members?

Yes. The head of the household or any responsible adult member can provide details for all normally residing members using a single household login. Household and housing details are collected during the first phase, while information on individual members is collected during the population enumeration phase in 2027.

How to correctly locate my residence in the self enumeration portal?

Select the district from the dropdown menu for the chosen State or Union Territory and enter the PIN code if available. Provide details of the village, locality, street or a nearby landmark and click search. Once the map appears, zoom in until individual houses are visible and place the marker precisely on your residence, ensuring surrounding landmarks match. Care should be taken, as incorrect placement may lead to difficulties in assigning an enumerator and an incorrect placement of marker may lead to non- availability of household data in enumerators mobile app. Please ensure that the marker is adjusted accurately to reflect the exact location of your house for effective self enumeration.

What can I do if I discover some error in response after final submission?

If an error is noticed, inform the enumerator during the household visit and share the Self Enumeration ID. The enumerator can make corrections before the data are finalised and uploaded.

Who is considered the head of the household?

The head of the household is the person recognised by the family as managing household affairs and making key decisions. This person need not be the eldest or male member and may be any adult, regardless of gender.

I am a disabled person and use a tricycle. Where should I record it?

It should be recorded under the ‘Bicycle’ category.

My caste is not available in the list provided by the Census of India. What caste should I select?

Each State and Union Territory has its own notified list of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. If your caste or tribe does not appear in the list for your State or Union Territory, select Other from the options provided.

I live in a rented house, but have a parental house elsewhere. In the ownership status of this house, what should I select?

If you are residing in a rented house but own or have access to a parental house elsewhere in India, select the option ‘rented but has own house elsewhere’.

Source: Census website