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Two-phase census 2027 in UP to begin in May with 5L personnel deployment
Uttar Pradesh will conduct Census 2027 in two phases starting May 2026, with a large deployment of nearly five lakh enumerators and supervisors across 75 districts. The first phase focuses on houselisting (May 22–June 20, 2026) and includes an optional online self-enumeration window (May 7–21, 2026), while the second phase (February 2027) will enumerate individuals and introduce caste data for the first time since 1931, with a fixed reference date of March 1, 2027.
Why It Matters
The census involves a massive administrative rollout and will generate granular data for development planning in UP. The introduction of individual-level caste enumeration marks a historic expansion of data collection since 1931.
Timeline
7 Events
Reference date fixed for Census 2027
March 1, 2027
The reference date for Census 2027 is fixed at 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, establishing the time point for population data at village, town and ward levels.
Second phase planned; caste enumeration introduced
February 2027
The second phase will conduct population enumeration at the individual level, collecting data on age, gender, education, migration and economic activity. For the first time since 1931, caste enumeration will be included at the individual level.
First phase ends (houselisting window closes)
June 20, 2026
The first phase is scheduled to run until June 20, 2026.
First phase of Census 2027 begins (houselisting)
May 22, 2026
The first phase of Census 2027 commences in Uttar Pradesh, focusing on houselisting and housing data collection across rural and urban areas. Enumerators will visit households to collect data on housing conditions, amenities and assets using a structured questionnaire.
Online self-enumeration window closes
May 21, 2026
The online self-enumeration option closes on May 21, 2026, after which enumerators will verify the digitally submitted data during door-to-door visits.
Online self-enumeration portal opens for Census 2027 UP
May 7, 2026
For the first time, residents can self-enumerate via an online portal from May 7 to May 21, 2026. They can generate a unique ID, which will later be verified by enumerators during door-to-door visits. The facility is optional and aims to improve efficiency and reduce data duplication.
Census 2027 plan announced for UP; two-phase approach and large deployment
May 2, 2026
The Census of India announced that Uttar Pradesh will conduct Census 2027 in two phases beginning May 2026, with nearly five lakh enumerators and supervisors deployed across 75 districts, over 1.04 lakh villages and 783 towns. The plan includes one of the largest administrative deployments in the country. Phase I will focus on houselisting and housing data collection; the state has mapped about 3.9 lakh houselisting blocks intended to cover the population with accuracy.