Last updated: November 2, 2026. This guide summarises the Census 2027 Phase 2 (Population Enumeration) schedule from Home Ministry and Registrar General notifications as reported by news agencies. Dates for some states are on a separate track and can change, so check censusindia.gov.in and your state notice.
Introduction: Census 2027 Phase 2 Schedule at a Glance
The Census 2027 Phase 2 schedule has more than one track. On 30 October 2026 the Ministry of Home Affairs notified house-to-house population enumeration from 25 January to 28 February 2027 for most States and Union Territories, with an option of self-enumeration online from 10 to 24 January 2027 and a revisional round from 1 to 5 March 2027. The reference date is 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027.
A few areas are on a different schedule: Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This guide explains the Census 2027 Phase 2 schedule for each group, why the dates differ and what to do next.
Quick Answer
- Most States and UTs: self-enumeration 10 to 24 January 2027, house visits 25 January to 28 February 2027 and a revisional round 1 to 5 March 2027.
- Reference date: 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027.
- Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand (areas other than snow-bound): a September 2026 gazette notification set self-enumeration for 16 to 30 November 2026 and house visits from 1 December 2026 to 4 January 2027, with a revisional round on 5 to 9 January 2027. The 30 October notification lists these states as excluded from the January schedule, so check the latest notice for your state.
- Snow-bound areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand: enumeration was scheduled for 1 to 30 September 2026, with a reference date of 1 October 2026.
- Manipur: the schedule is deferred until further declaration.
- Self-enumeration is optional, and no documents are required.
Census 2027 Phase 2 Schedule by Group
| Group | Self-enumeration | House-to-house visits | Revisional round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most States and UTs, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh | 10 to 24 January 2027 | 25 January to 28 February 2027 | 1 to 5 March 2027 |
| Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand (except snow-bound areas) | 16 to 30 November 2026, per the September notification | 1 December 2026 to 4 January 2027, per the September notification | 5 to 9 January 2027 |
| Snow-bound areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand | 17 to 31 August 2026 | 1 to 30 September 2026 | Not reported |
| Manipur | Not notified | Deferred until further declaration | Not notified |
Why the Dates Differ
| Reason | What was reported |
|---|---|
| Elections | In September, PTI reported that the exercise was advanced in Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, which are likely to vote early in 2027, because teachers and other staff cannot do Census work and election work at the same time |
| Poll-bound states in October | IANS reported that officials said states heading for elections need their administrative machinery to focus on the polls |
| Snow-bound areas | Officials said access is difficult in winter, so these areas were scheduled earlier |
| Manipur | The schedule is deferred until further declaration |
These reports point in slightly different directions for the poll-bound states, so rely on the latest Registrar General notice for your state.
What to Do Next
| If you live in | What to do |
|---|---|
| Most States and UTs | Plan to self-enumerate between 10 and 24 January 2027, or wait for the enumerator from 25 January |
| Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab or Uttarakhand | Check the latest Registrar General notice, because self-enumeration was set for 16 to 30 November 2026 in the September notification |
| Ladakh or a snow-bound area | The exercise was scheduled earlier, so check with your Charge Officer |
| Manipur | Wait for the next notification |
How Self-Enumeration Works
- It is optional and only for normal households. The enumerator still visits.
- Use the official portal at se.census.gov.in, and choose your state or UT.
- Log in with the head of household’s name and mobile number, and verify with an OTP.
- After you submit, you receive an 11-digit Self-Enumeration ID that starts with the letter H, according to the official FAQ for the houselisting phase. Keep it for the enumerator.
- No documents are uploaded. See our guide to documents for Census 2027.
Final Thoughts on the Census 2027 Phase 2 Schedule
The Census 2027 Phase 2 schedule is simple for most of India: self-enumerate from 10 to 24 January or wait for the enumerator from 25 January. Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Ladakh and snow-bound areas are on separate tracks, so check the latest notice for your state. We will update this guide whenever a new notification is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Census 2027 Phase 2 schedule start?
For most States and UTs, house visits start on 25 January 2027 and run until 28 February 2027. Self-enumeration opens on 10 January 2027.
What is the reference date for Census 2027?
It is 00:00 hours on 1 March 2027 for most of India. Snow-bound areas used 1 October 2026.
Is self-enumeration compulsory?
No, it is optional. If you do not self-enumerate, the enumerator will visit you.
Why are Uttar Pradesh and Punjab on a different schedule?
A September 2026 notification advanced the exercise there, and the October notification excludes these states from the January schedule. Check the latest notice for your state.
Do I need documents for the Census?
No. The official FAQ says you are not required to show or upload documents.
Sources and Official Links
- Census of India
- Self-enumeration portal
- The Statesman: Census 2027 schedule, January 25 to February 28
- UNI: Census 2027 to begin on January 25
- India TV: Census 2027 schedule announced
- Telangana Today (PTI): enumeration set for UP, Punjab and Goa from December
Related Guides
Census questions? See our guides to documents for Census 2027 and LPG e-KYC.