The Gujarat government has re-notified the schedule for the Census of India 2027, confirming that the first phase of house-listing operations will commence on June 1 and run through June 30, following a directive from the Centre issued under the Census Act, 1948. A gazette notification dated May 5 outlines the nationwide framework for census operations and specifies state-wise implementation timelines.

Revised Schedule and Self-Enumeration Window

While house-listing operations are being conducted across the country between April 1 and September 30 this year, Gujarat has been assigned a specific window within this period. Ahead of field operations, the state will observe a 15-day self-enumeration period, during which households can submit census data digitally before door-to-door verification begins.

This will be followed by a 30-day house-listing exercise conducted by trained enumerators across the state. Officials confirmed the revised timetable was finalised following administrative adjustments linked to local body elections held last month, which required rescheduling of field-level government responsibilities to ensure adequate staff availability for census work.

Two-Phase Structure of the Census

The census will be carried out in two phases. The first — house-listing — is scheduled between June 1 and June 30 in Gujarat. The second phase, Population Enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027 across the country. During the house-listing phase, data will be collected on housing conditions, household amenities and assets, dwelling structures, sanitation facilities, road connectivity, and other basic infrastructure indicators.

The Population Enumeration phase in 2027 will capture demographic, socio-economic, educational, migration, and occupational data — forming a comprehensive statistical baseline for governance and planning at both the state and national levels.

India's First Fully Digital Census

The entire exercise will be conducted in digital mode through a dedicated census portal and mobile applications, marking India's first fully digital census. This digital-first approach underpins both the self-enumeration window and the subsequent field verification by enumerators.

The Gujarat exercise will form part of the 16th Census of India since its inception in 1872 and the eighth since Independence — a milestone that underscores the scale and historical significance of the undertaking.

Preparatory Measures and Data Quality

The state government has initiated preparatory steps including identification of house-listing blocks, preparation of notional maps, compilation of charge registers, and structured training programmes for enumerators and supervisors. Jurisdictional changes up to December 31, 2025, will be incorporated to ensure administrative accuracy.

The gazette notification also underscores strict data quality protocols, validation mechanisms, and confidentiality provisions under the Act. Public awareness campaigns are expected ahead of both the self-enumeration phase and field operations to maximise participation. According to officials, the resulting census data will serve as a key statistical foundation for assessing household amenities, socio-economic conditions, and demographic trends, shaping planning and governance decisions for years ahead.