Census phase 2 to begin Aug 17, will capture caste, parents’ birth details

Census 2027 population enumeration phase 2 starts Aug 17, 2026, in snow-bound areas of Ladakh, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Census 2027 will capture caste for the first time since 1931, recorded as declared by respondent, with drop-down menu for SC/ST.

Phase 2 will collect parents' date and place of birth, recorded as per respondent's knowledge, to determine citizenship eligibility.

Passport numbers and Aadhaar numbers will be collected voluntarily during enumeration.

Self-enumeration window is Aug 17-30, followed by enumeration from Sept 1-30 in snow-bound areas; questionnaire to be notified soon.