Census 2027: Complete List of 40 Questions, Key Changes and What’s New

The coming Census 2027 is going to be a milestone exercise in the statistical and administrative history of India. The forthcoming census of population is going to bring about various changes in the method of data collection, such as digital data collection, self-enumeration, and caste enumeration.

The 16th Census of India is to be carried out in two phases, and it is expected to give us comprehensive data about India’s population, household, education, employment, migration, socio-background, and many more socio-economic factors.

An estimated cost of approximately ₹11,718.24 crore has been allocated for this census exercise. There have also been various additions to the questionnaire related to areas like digital literacy, bank account, COVID-19 vaccination, identification, etc.

Here is a detailed analysis of Census 2027, two phases of Census 2027, 40 parameters, and other changes that are being introduced this time.

What is Census 2027?

India will conduct its 16th census, and it will be one of the largest administrative undertakings in the nation.

The census is carried out every decade and offers important demographic and socio-economic statistics. The government utilizes these statistics for policymaking and planning.

Census 2027 is unique due to the fact that it will be the first digital census in India where the enumerators will employ mobile applications for gathering data.

In addition, it will give people the choice to be self-enumerated before visiting them and entering the household.

When Will Census 2027 Be Conducted?

Census 2027 shall be carried out in two phases.

Phase 1: Houselisting and Housing Census

In the first phase, the main emphasis will be on houses and facilities available in the household. This will comprise details regarding,

• Location of Houses
• State of housing
• Possessions within household
• Facilities available
• Services available to households

Houselisting and Housing Census shall be held between April and September 2026 depending upon States and UTs.

Phase 2: Population Enumeration

• The second phase will emphasize individual members of the households.
• This will include data regarding demographic features, education, occupation, migration, caste, languages and many more socio-economic features.
• Population Enumeration will take place in February 2027 while some snow-bound areas will be taken up earlier due to weather problems.

Full List of 40 Questions for Census 2027

The 40 criteria mentioned for Population Enumeration include personal information, family information, educational status, occupational status, migration status, fertility status, digital literacy status and selected socio-economic criteria.

Q1. Name of the Individual Person

The whole name of the individual.

Q2. Relation to Head of Household

The relation of the individual to the head of the household will be recorded.

Q3. Sex

The form captures the sex of the individual.

Q4. Date of Birth and Age

The date of birth and age completed of the individual will be captured.

Q5. Current Marital Status

The marital status of the individual will be recorded.

Q6. Age at Marriage

The age at which the individual got married will be recorded for applicable individuals.

Q7. Spouse’s Name

The name of the spouse for the applicable individuals.

Q8. Nationality

The individual’s nationality will be captured.

Q9. Religion

The religious community of the individual will be captured.

Q10. Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Caste

SC, ST and caste criteria along with the caste name will be recorded.

Q11. Father’s Particulars

General particulars pertaining to the father of the individual will be obtained.

Q12. Mother’s Particulars

General particulars pertaining to the mother of the individual will be obtained.

Q13. Disability

Details about the individual’s disability, if any, will be obtained.

14. Mother Tongue and Languages Known

Mother tongue and languages known to the individual will be obtained from the questionnaire.

Q15. Literacy Status

Census form will record the literacy status of the individual.

Q16. Digital Literacy Status

Digital literacy, in relation to the individual’s proficiency with digital devices and technology, has become a new focus.

Q17. Educational Institution Attendance

Whether an individual attends any educational institution will be recorded.

Q18. Highest Educational Qualification

Highest educational qualification attained by the individual will be recorded.

Q19. Employment Status Over Previous Year

QIt is asked if the individual was employed at any point during the past year.

Q20. Economic Activity Classification

Individuals are classified in terms of their economic activity – main worker, marginal worker and non-workers.

Q21. Occupation

Occupation or main type of work performed by the individual will be recorded.

Q22. Industrial/Trade/Service

This gives details about the industrial/trade/service activity of the individual.

Q23. Class of Worker

Class of worker, employer, employee, single worker or unpaid family worker will be recorded.

Q24. Non-Economic Activity

Particulars of individuals who are non-workers like students, dependants, pensioners, etc., are obtained.

Q25. Availability for Employment

Availability of non-working individuals for employment will be recorded.

Q26. Commute to Place of Work

Data relating to commute to the place of work is collected.

Q27. Place of Birth

The place of birth of the individual will be captured.

Q28. Previous Place of Residence

It refers to where the person resided prior to his/her present residency.

Q29. Reason of Migration

The data relating to reasons of migration like employment, marriage and education will be recorded.

Q30. Duration of Staying at the Present Location Post Migration

It captures the period for which an individual has stayed at his/her current location since migration.

Q31. Permanent Residential Address

Permanent residential address will be captured.

Q32. Surviving Children

Information relating to the number of surviving children will be captured for the relevant women.

Q33. Children Ever Born Alive

Total number of children ever born alive to the relevant women will be recorded.

Q34. Number of Children Born Alive Last Year

Births in the past year will be recorded.

Q35. Place of Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

The information related to the centre from where an individual received his/her COVID-19 vaccine will be captured.

Q36. Number of Bank Accounts

The total number of bank accounts held by an individual is considered as one of the parameters.

Q37. Mobile Number

Mobile number will be included in the list of parameters.

Q38. Aadhaar Number

Information concerning Aadhaar number will be included in the questionnaire structure presented in the reference source.

Q39. Voter Id and Passport Number

The information on voter ID and passport will be included.

Q40. Driving License Availability

Driving license availability is captured in the questionnaire.

What Is New in Census 2027?

Census 2027 differs from earlier censuses in several important ways.

1. Digital Data Collection

2. Self-Enumeration

3. Caste Data

4. Digital Literacy

5. Banking and Financial Information

6. Health-Related Information

7. Identification-Related Information