India Begins Massive Census Operation
Friday, 2026/04/03167 words3 minutes708 reads
India has begun the world's largest census, counting more than 1.4 billion people for the first time in over 15 years. More than three million officials will spend a year asking 33 questions about housing, family structure, education, and technology access.
The last census took place in 2011. The 2021 round was delayed by the pandemic and later postponed due to administrative and electoral scheduling. This marks the first time the decennial exercise has missed its schedule.
For the first time, the census will be conducted digitally. Residents can submit information online through a portal available in 16 languages. The exercise will happen in two phases: first collecting housing data, then gathering detailed demographic information in February 2027.
India overtook China as the world's most populous nation in 2023. Despite its huge population, India remains one of the world's youngest countries, with a median age of 28 and nearly 70% of people of working age. The census data is crucial for policy-making, welfare programs, and political representation.
