Key Highlights of Census 2027 Announced in Rajya Sabha The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹11,718 crore for the Census 2027 . In a written response to the Rajya Sabha on 11 March 2026, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai outlined the structure, new data points, and digital mechanisms of the upcoming exercise. Key Developments First‑time collection of sex of the household head (Male/Female/Transgender). Introduction of caste enumeration alongside the regular demographic schedule. Two‑phase approach: House Listing and Housing Census followed by Population Enumeration . Fully digital with optional self‑enumeration facility. Robust data‑security measures at mobile, transmission, and server levels; validation rules embedded in the mobile app. Comprehensive training for enumerators and supervisors; real‑time monitoring through validation checks. Important Facts The first phase will capture housing conditions, amenities, assets, and the name and sex of the household head. Enumerators will conduct house‑to‑house visits across the entire enumeration area to avoid exclusion. For self‑enumeration, respondents will use a portal equipped with FAQs, tool‑tips, and validation checks; enumerators will verify the data before final submission. The second phase, Population Enumeration , will be notified later and will gather detailed information on each individual. UPSC Relevance Understanding the Census is crucial for multiple GS papers: GS‑1 (Demography & Social Structure) : Data on sex of household head and caste will influence studies on gender diversity and social equity. GS‑2 (Polity) : The role of the Minister of State for Home Affairs and parliamentary oversight via the Rajya Sabha illustrate governance mechanisms. GS‑3 (Economy & Technology) : The budget allocation, digital data collection, and security protocols highlight fiscal planning and e‑governance. GS‑4 (Ethics & Integrity) : Emphasis on data security and validation reflects ethical handling of citizens’ personal information. Way Forward Candidates should monitor the notification of the second phase questions and the rollout of the self‑enumeration portal. Analyzing how the inclusion of transgender categories and caste data may affect policy formulation—especially in affirmative action, welfare schemes, and gender‑sensitive programs—will be valuable for answer writing. Additionally, understanding the digital infrastructure and training mechanisms can aid discussions on governance reforms and data‑driven decision‑making.