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World’s largest census to be conducted in two phases, first phase to begin from 1st April 2026
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For the first time, the #Census will be conducted digitally, and for the first time, the option of Self-Enumeration will also be availabl
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Self-enumeration from 1st to 15th April and House Listing and Housing Census from 16th April to 15th May 2026 to be conducted in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, and Sikkim
New Delhi: India’s much-awaited Census exercise has officially begun today, introducing a notable shift in how relationships are recorded—live-in couples will now be treated as “married” for enumeration purposes.
In a move reflecting changing social realities, officials said that couples in stable live-in relationships who identify themselves as partners will be counted as married households during the survey. The classification will be based on self-declaration, giving individuals the flexibility to define their relationship status.
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲
World’s largest census will be conducted in the country in two phases, and the first phase will begin tomorrow, 1st April. For the first time, the Census will be conducted digitally, and the option of… pic.twitter.com/6nGk8vV5xl
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 31, 2026
First Digital-Ready Census
The nationwide exercise, delayed since 2021, will be conducted in two phases. The first phase—covering house listing and housing details—starts now, followed by population enumeration in the next stage. For the first time, the Census will also feature a digital self-enumeration option, allowing citizens to submit their data online.
New Questions, New Social Lens
Enumerators will collect detailed information on housing conditions, amenities, and family composition, including the number of couples living in a household. The inclusion of live-in relationships under the “married” category signals a broader and more inclusive approach to evolving family structures in India.
Not Legal Status, But Statistical Recognition
Authorities have clarified that this change is purely for data collection and does not grant legal recognition or marital rights to live-in couples. Instead, it aims to ensure more accurate demographic data in line with contemporary social patterns.
A Changing India
As millions of households come under the Census net, this update highlights a subtle yet significant shift in India’s social framework—acknowledging modern relationships while refining the country’s demographic mapping for future policy planning.
