India is starting the world’s biggest census, a huge project to count its people and learn more about how they live. The country has an estimated population of more than 1.4 billion, and this will be the first full census there in 15 years. The count began on 1 April 2026 and will involve more than three million officials.
A census is a survey that helps governments understand how many people live in a country and what they need. India’s government says the information will help it make better decisions about housing, food, electricity and other important services. This matters because many of India’s biggest cities are facing overcrowding, pollution and water shortages.
The census will happen in two phases. First, officials will gather information about homes and local facilities. This will include door-to-door visits as well as an online option, using an app available in 16 languages. Later, a second phase will collect details about people’s ages, jobs and other social and economic information.
One important and sensitive part of the census is that it will include questions about caste. The caste system is an old social ranking system in India that has affected people’s opportunities and treatment for thousands of years. Although unfair caste practices were officially banned long ago, discrimination still affects many people.
India has not held a census since 2011, after the 2021 count was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The government hopes this new census will give a clearer picture of the country today. Counting so many people will be a huge challenge, but it could help leaders plan for India’s future more fairly and effectively.
