The Central Government has released a list of 40 questions for the 2027 Census. People will be asked about their caste, including whether they belong to the SC, ST or another caste. This will be the first time since Independence that caste details of all communities will be recorded in the Census.
The 2011 Census questionnaire contained 29 questions, with caste information limited to whether a person belonged to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST). In the 2027 Census questionnaire, caste is included as part of Question 10, which specifically mentions SC, ST and caste.
Importantly, people will also be asked where they received their COVID 19 vaccination. The questionnaire will also seek details such as their mobile number, Aadhaar number, voter ID and bank account number.
1. Identity and Family: Information from name to caste in 12 questions
The Census will ask for a person’s name, relationship to the head of the household, gender, date of birth and age. It will also collect information on marital status, age at marriage, spouse’s name, nationality, religion and SC/ST/caste status. Details about parents will also be recorded.
2. Education and Language: Reading and digital literacy in 5 questions
This section will collect information on disability, mother tongue and other languages, literacy and digital literacy. It will also ask about the educational institution attended, highest educational qualification, and stream or subject studied.
3. Employment: Work and occupation details in 8 questions
Individuals will be asked whether they worked during the past year, their economic activity, occupation and sector of employment. Questions will also cover worker category, non economic activity, whether they are seeking or available for work, and their daily commute to and from their workplace.
4. Birth and Migration: Information from place of birth to children in 8 questions
This section will cover a person’s place of birth, previous place of residence, reason for migration and duration of stay. The address of their permanent residence will also be recorded. Women will be asked about the number of living children, total number of children born to them and children born during the past year.
5. Bank Details and Aadhaar Number: Document information in 7 questions
The Census will seek information about where a person received their COVID 19 vaccine, bank account number and mobile number. It will also ask for details such as Aadhaar number, voter ID, passport number and whether the person holds a driving licence.
India’s first digital Census
Census 2027 will be India’s first digital Census. Data will be recorded digitally, while citizens will also have the option of self enumeration.
The exercise will be conducted under the Census Act, 1948, and Census Rules, 1990. The government has said all personal information provided by individuals will remain strictly confidential. Under Section 15 of the Census Act, the information cannot be made public, disclosed under the Right to Information Act or used as evidence in court.
Census to cost ₹11,718 crore
The Central Government has approved a budget of ₹11,718.24 crore for Census 2027. The exercise will be carried out across the country in coordination with the Central Government, with state and Union Territory governments assisting in its implementation.
