Self-Enumeration Begins for India’s 16th Census in West Bengal

India’s 16th Census is being conducted in two phases during 2026 and 2027 after postponement from 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. West Bengal began its digital self-enumeration phase on 1 August 2026, and the national House Listing and Housing Census phase started on 1 April 2026.

India’s Census Framework

The Census of India is conducted under the Census Act, 1948, by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The census is the largest population enumeration exercise in India and covers households, persons, housing conditions, and selected socio-economic details.

Digital Self-Enumeration in 2026

The 16th Census is India’s first fully digital census. Residents in West Bengal can submit details through a mobile application or the official census portal from 1 August to 15 August 2026. The self-enumeration portal is available in 16 languages for household-level data entry.

Phases and Field Operations

After the self-enumeration period, the house-listing phase in West Bengal will run from 16 August to 14 September 2026. During this phase, enumerators will visit households for verification and for collection of additional census data. The self-enumeration facility is scheduled for 15 days, and the timing varies across States and Union Territories.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Census of India is conducted under the Census Act, 1948.
• The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• India’s 16th Census is the first fully digital census.
• The 2027 Census will include caste enumeration for the first time since 1931.

West Bengal and Local Participation

Kolkata Municipal Corporation planned participation from 700 government schools and 300 private schools to support digital census awareness. West Bengal’s self-enumeration window is part of the national census schedule for 2026 and 2027.