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Census

What is Census?

The Census is a periodic and comprehensive enumeration of a population, collecting demographic, social, and economic data. It is conducted by the government to provide a snapshot of the nation's population and its characteristics.

Historical Background

The first complete census in India was conducted in 1881. Post-independence, the first census was conducted in 1951. It is conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Conducted every 10 years.

  • 2.

    Collects data on age, sex, education, occupation, religion, and other socio-economic indicators.

  • 3.

    Provides data for planning and policy-making at national, state, and local levels.

  • 4.

    Used for delimitation of constituencies and allocation of resources.

  • 5.

    The Census Act, 1948 provides the legal framework for conducting the census.

  • 6.

    Data is anonymized to protect individual privacy.

  • 7.

    Digital census was planned for 2021 but delayed due to the pandemic.

  • 8.

    Involves a massive logistical exercise with millions of enumerators.

  • 9.

    Provides crucial data for monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Visual Insights

Evolution of Census in India

Key milestones in the history of the Census in India.

The Census in India has evolved over time to provide detailed information about the population and inform policy decisions.

  • 1872First Census in India (during British rule)
  • 1881First complete Census in India
  • 1948The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework
  • 1951First Census after Independence
  • 201115th Census since 1872 and 7th after independence
  • 20212021 Census postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
  • 2027First phase of Population Census 2027, the house listing operation, is scheduled to begin on April 1

Recent Developments

5 developments

The 2021 Census has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Debate on including caste enumeration in the census.

Government exploring the use of technology for data collection and processing.

Focus on improving data quality and timeliness.

Discussion on linking census data with other databases for better analysis.

This Concept in News

3 topics

Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists Expected in April

20 Feb 2026

The news about the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists underscores the critical role of the Census in ensuring accurate electoral rolls. (1) It highlights the Census's function as the foundation for demographic data used in various administrative processes. (2) The delay in the Census directly impacts the ability to update voter lists, potentially leading to inaccuracies and disenfranchisement. (3) The news reveals the practical challenges of coordinating large-scale data collection exercises, especially when resources are limited. (4) The implications of a delayed Census extend beyond voter lists, affecting resource allocation, policy planning, and overall governance. (5) Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the context for why accurate and timely population data is essential for a functioning democracy and effective governance. Without the Census, other processes like voter list revision become significantly more difficult and prone to error.

Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists Expected in April

20 Feb 2026

The news about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists highlights the importance of accurate population data, which is primarily provided by the Census. The SIR aims to update voter lists, and this process relies on the most recent and reliable population figures. The potential overlap between the SIR and the upcoming Census underscores the logistical challenges and the need for careful planning when conducting large-scale data collection exercises. This news demonstrates how Census data is not just a statistical exercise but a crucial input for various governance processes, including electoral administration. The implications of this news are that any delays or inaccuracies in the Census can directly affect the accuracy of voter lists and the fairness of elections. Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the importance of accurate population data in a democratic society. Without a clear understanding of the Census, it is difficult to appreciate the significance of the SIR and the challenges involved in coordinating it with other data collection efforts.

Kerala MP proposes Census every 10 years via private bill

7 Feb 2026

This news highlights the critical role of the Census in governance and policy-making. The delay in conducting the Census underscores the challenges in maintaining accurate and up-to-date demographic data. The MP's bill demonstrates the political and social importance of the Census, particularly in the context of social justice. The demand for caste-wise data reflects the need for more granular information to address inequalities. This news reveals the complex interplay between data collection, policy implementation, and social equity. Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides context for the debates surrounding data collection, resource allocation, and social justice initiatives. Without this understanding, it is difficult to grasp the significance of the delay and the implications of including caste-based data.

Source Topic

Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists Expected in April

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (Governance, Social Justice) and GS Paper 3 (Economic Development). Questions are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains regarding census methodology, data usage, and related issues.

Evolution of Census in India

Key milestones in the history of the Census in India.

1872

First Census in India (during British rule)

1881

First complete Census in India

1948

The Census Act of 1948 provides the legal framework

1951

First Census after Independence

2011

15th Census since 1872 and 7th after independence

2021

2021 Census postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

2027

First phase of Population Census 2027, the house listing operation, is scheduled to begin on April 1

Connected to current news

This Concept in News

3 news topics

3

Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists Expected in April

20 February 2026

The news about the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists underscores the critical role of the Census in ensuring accurate electoral rolls. (1) It highlights the Census's function as the foundation for demographic data used in various administrative processes. (2) The delay in the Census directly impacts the ability to update voter lists, potentially leading to inaccuracies and disenfranchisement. (3) The news reveals the practical challenges of coordinating large-scale data collection exercises, especially when resources are limited. (4) The implications of a delayed Census extend beyond voter lists, affecting resource allocation, policy planning, and overall governance. (5) Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides the context for why accurate and timely population data is essential for a functioning democracy and effective governance. Without the Census, other processes like voter list revision become significantly more difficult and prone to error.

Special Intensive Revision of Voter Lists Expected in April

20 February 2026

The news about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists highlights the importance of accurate population data, which is primarily provided by the Census. The SIR aims to update voter lists, and this process relies on the most recent and reliable population figures. The potential overlap between the SIR and the upcoming Census underscores the logistical challenges and the need for careful planning when conducting large-scale data collection exercises. This news demonstrates how Census data is not just a statistical exercise but a crucial input for various governance processes, including electoral administration. The implications of this news are that any delays or inaccuracies in the Census can directly affect the accuracy of voter lists and the fairness of elections. Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the importance of accurate population data in a democratic society. Without a clear understanding of the Census, it is difficult to appreciate the significance of the SIR and the challenges involved in coordinating it with other data collection efforts.

Kerala MP proposes Census every 10 years via private bill

7 February 2026

This news highlights the critical role of the Census in governance and policy-making. The delay in conducting the Census underscores the challenges in maintaining accurate and up-to-date demographic data. The MP's bill demonstrates the political and social importance of the Census, particularly in the context of social justice. The demand for caste-wise data reflects the need for more granular information to address inequalities. This news reveals the complex interplay between data collection, policy implementation, and social equity. Understanding the Census is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides context for the debates surrounding data collection, resource allocation, and social justice initiatives. Without this understanding, it is difficult to grasp the significance of the delay and the implications of including caste-based data.