NationalTuesday, 7 July 2026·The Hindu - National
Census 2027 rehearsal uses open column for caste; first digital Census and first caste enumeration in independent India
The Census 2027 pre-test began on July 6, 2026 in 16 States and Union Territories, with an open column for caste recording.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On July 6, 2026, the Census 2027 rehearsal began in 16 States and Union Territories, and officials said the Population Enumeration phase will use an open column to record caste.
Key specifics
- The Population Enumeration (PE) phase of Census 2027 will be conducted in February 2027 across India.
- In Ladakh and snowbound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the PE phase will conclude by September 30.
- The 2027 Census is described as India’s first digital Census and the first to enumerate caste in independent India.
- The pre-test exercise is scheduled from July 1 to July 20, 2026, in Ward No. 24, Faridabad, which has 17 enumeration blocks.
- The 2011 Census PE phase had 29 questions, while the 2011 SECC produced over 46 lakh different caste names.
Exam lens
TNPSC polity and governance question type: Census, caste enumeration, digital governance, dates and phases. Key facts: July 6, 2026 rehearsal, February 2027 PE, open column, 29 questions in 2011. One-liner: Census 2027 is significant for being the first digital Census and the first caste enumeration in independent India.