India launches nationwide census as World’s most populous country

Tuesday 31 March 2026 - 07:59

India has begun a massive nationwide census, marking the first such exercise in over a decade and reaffirming its position as the world’s most populous country. The operation, originally scheduled for 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a population estimated at around 1.4 billion, India faces both opportunities and challenges linked to its young demographic profile, with an average age under 30. Authorities aim to collect updated data that will help guide policies on employment, housing, education, and energy.

The census will involve millions of officials and combine digital tools with traditional door-to-door surveys. The first phase focuses on counting households, while the detailed population survey will follow in stages over the coming years.

One notable aspect of this census is the inclusion of questions related to caste, a sensitive issue in India. Although the caste system remains a significant social factor, influencing access to opportunities and public policies, it has not been officially recorded in a full census for decades.

Officials say the data collected will play a key role in shaping future economic and social planning, as India continues to balance rapid growth with persistent inequalities.