Odisha Kicks Off Pre-Test for India's 2027 Census: Digital Innovation Takes Center Stage

Digital Drive: Odisha Leads Pre-Test for India's 2027 National Census

The Directorate of Census Operations in Odisha has launched the pre-test phase for the House Listing and Housing Census, marking the initial step toward the comprehensive Census of India 2027.

This initiative, overseen by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is being executed in collaboration with the Odisha state government.

The pre-test is underway in selected rural and urban areas across the state, specifically targeting 20 revenue villages in Tentulikhunti Tahasil of Nabarangpur District and 44 revenue villages in Thakurmunda Tahasil of Mayurbhanj District. In urban zones, it covers Ward No. 22 of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation and Ward No. 17 of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation. Running from November 10 to November 30, 2025, the exercise involves trained enumerators visiting every household to assign unique house numbers and gather essential data on housing conditions.

A standout aspect of the 2027 Census is its emphasis on digital transformation. Enumerators will utilise a fully digital data collection system, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. For the first time, a Self-Enumeration Portal (SE) has been introduced, empowering residents to submit their household information securely online via a dedicated web portal. Additionally, each house will be geo-tagged through a specialised Digital Layout Mapping App, which promises quicker data processing and timely dissemination of results.

Under the guidance of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, the pre-test focuses on collecting detailed information about the structural condition of houses, available amenities, household facilities, and family-owned assets. This data will lay the groundwork for the full census, aiding in national planning and resource allocation.

The Directorate of Census Operations, Odisha, has urged residents in the designated areas to cooperate fully with local administration and census officials. “This is a crucial administrative exercise that will shape India’s demographic insights,” the directorate stated in its appeal, emphasising the importance of public participation for its success.

As India prepares for its decennial census, this pre-test in Odisha serves as a pilot to refine processes, incorporating modern technology to make the exercise more inclusive and streamlined.