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Counting India

The forthcoming census in India will provide an updated overview of the country’s population, helping improve policy decisions and public services

By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar | May 2026

India is starting its biggest-ever population census after more than 15 years. Over one billion people will respond to questions. This will be the country’s 16th census and will be carried out in two phases by more than three million workers. It is a mammoth task, indeed. Transparency will be of paramount significance.

India now has a population of over 1.4 billion and became the world’s most populous country in 2023. Despite this, it is still a young country with a large working-age population.

The last census was carried out in 2011. The next census was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which also highlighted administrative challenges.

The census will cover all states, cities, towns, and villages across the country. For the first time, it will be conducted digitally. Officials will use mobile apps, and people can also fill in their information online in multiple languages. It is yet to be seen how strong internet access is across the country, especially in remote areas, so that everyone can take part.

The process will have two main stages. The first will collect data about housing conditions and household facilities. The second stage, planned for 2027, will gather detailed information about people, such as education, jobs, migration, and family size. It will also include caste data, which is a delicate issue and must be handled carefully. The census will begin in selected regions first. People in these areas can submit their details online before officials conduct door-to-door surveys.

India’s census has changed a lot over time. Early censuses mainly recorded basic details such as name, age, religion, and occupation. Over the years, more questions were added about education, work, and living conditions to get a deeper understanding of the population.

After independence, the census included more social and economic information, such as migration, employment, and land ownership. In recent years, it has also tracked details like commuting, types of work, and education levels.

The latest census reflects changing social realities. For example, couples in live-in relationships may now be recorded as married if they consider their relationship stable.

However, there are concerns about how the data will be used. Some people fear that it could be linked to issues like citizenship. Because of this, some families may give incorrect information to avoid any risk of exclusion.

Another major issue is that India has been making policies without updated population data. Without a recent census, the government has relied on surveys, which may not always be accurate.


Experts say the census is important to understand how the country has changed. Many areas classified as rural or urban are no longer the same as they were in 2011. This affects government planning and welfare programs.

Most importantly, the most critical factor in the forthcoming national census revolves around the accurate counting of minority groups. There are significant concerns raised by members of these communities, particularly among Muslim and Christian populations, that they may not be fully or accurately represented in the results. This issue is especially troubling given that the census is scheduled to be conducted under the current BJP government, which is internationally recognized for its pro-Hindu policies and an approach that has been perceived as anti-minority. These factors combined raise questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the forthcoming census process.

If the data is outdated, it can lead to mistakes in identifying who needs support. For example, job programs for rural areas depend on knowing which areas are still rural. Also, many urban migrants are not properly included in the current data.

In addition, the success of this census will depend on public trust and participation. The citizens must feel confident that their information will remain safe and will be used only for development purposes. Clear communication from the government will be essential to reduce fears and confusion. Training of census workers will also play an important role, as they are the main link between the state and the public. If the worker is aware of the intricate details, it will create friction between the two sides.

The digital nature of this census can improve speed and accuracy, but it also brings challenges. Technical issues, data security, and access to devices may affect the process. Special attention must be given to rural and low-income populations so that no one is left out. If done properly, this census can become a strong foundation for better planning, fair distribution of resources, and inclusive growth in the years ahead.

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