India’s First Digital Census Begins Today In Eight States | GFX

India is set to conduct its first fully digital Census, marking a major shift in how population data is collected. This move is expected to improve accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. (Image: News18 Creative)

The Census will be held in two phases: House Listing & Housing Census (starting April 1, 2026 in eight states and UTs) will gather details about households, living conditions, and access to facilities. (Image: News18 Creative)

While Population Enumeration will collect individual-level data, including caste details, digitally for the first time. (Image: News18 Creative)

Nearly 30 lakh enumerators will use a specially designed mobile app available on Android and iOS. (Image: News18 Creative)

The app supports 16 languages and can function offline, making it suitable for rural and remote areas. (Image: News18 Creative)

Citizens can fill in their details online via a self-enumeration portal. Once submitted, they will receive a unique Self-Enumeration ID to show officials during verification. (Image: News18 Creative)

The first-phase questionnaire includes 33 questions covering type of house and construction materials, ownership status, household size, water and sanitation facilities, cooking fuel used, and assets like internet, smartphones, vehicles, and appliances. (Image: News18 Creative)

For the first time, live-in couples will be counted as married couples if they consider their relationship a stable union, according to Census FAQs. (Image: News18 Creative)

Authorities have clarified that no documents will be needed to participate. All information collected will remain confidential. (Image: News18 Creative)

The housing phase will run between April and September 2026, with variations across regions. The reference date for the Census is fixed as midnight of March 1, 2027. (Image: News18 Creative)

The Census involves 6.39 lakh administrative units and a budget of ₹11,718.24 crore, making it one of the largest data collection exercises in the world. (Image: News18 Creative)

The data gathered will play a crucial role in shaping future government policies, welfare schemes, and development plans, especially in areas like housing, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure. (Image: News18 Creative)