India to Conduct First Digital Census with New Caste Question, 13 Additional Queries

<b>first digital census</b> will begin on <b>25 January</b> and run until <b>28 February 2027</b>, introducing a <b>caste question</b> and 13 new queries to the questionnaire. The exercise replaces the traditional paper‑based method with an online platform, aiming to speed up data capture and reduce errors. Officials say the added questions will help refine socio‑economic profiling, while the digital format is expected to cut costs and improve accessibility in remote areas. If successful, the census could provide more accurate demographic data for policymakers and welfare schemes.