Delhi — Census 2027
CompletedHouselisting window (Phase 1)
Apr 16 – May 15, 2026
Self-enumeration window
Apr 1–15, 2026
Population enumeration (Phase 2)
Feb 1–28, 2027
Reference date
March 1, 2027
00:00 hrs — the “census moment”
1,67,87,941
2011 population
11
districts
New Delhi
capital
Delhi ran Phase 1 in two batches: NDMC + Delhi Cantonment Board were in the first national rollout (self-enum Apr 1-15, HLO Apr 16-May 15), while the much larger MCD area followed (self-enum May 1-15, HLO May 16-Jun 14). Households received an 11-digit Self-Enumeration ID to show enumerators. Phase 1 fully complete as of 2026-08-31. Phase 2 (population enumeration) due February 2027, reference date 00:00 hrs 2027-…
Delhi is taking part in Census 2027 — India's 16th census and its first fully digital one — like every union territory in the country, across two phases: the Houselisting & Housing Census (Phase 1, April–September 2026) and Population Enumeration (Phase 2).
Houselisting in Delhi
In Delhi, its 30-day houselisting window ran 2026-04-16 to 2026-05-15, preceded by an online self-enumeration window from 2026-04-01 to 2026-04-15 on se.census.gov.in. During houselisting, enumerators visited every building to record 33 notified questions on housing conditions, household amenities and assets — from drinking-water source and toilet access to internet connectivity and vehicle ownership. Households that completed self-enumeration online received a Self-Enumeration ID (SE ID) to share with the visiting enumerator instead of answering questions again.
What happens next in Delhi
Population Enumeration (Phase 2) is scheduled for February 2027, when enumerators will record 40 notified questions for every person — demographics, religion, language, education, work, migration and, for the first time since 1931, caste enumeration. The reference date is 00:00 hrs on March 1, 2027: Delhi's official 2027 population will describe the union territory exactly at that moment.
Delhi in numbers
At the 2011 census Delhi recorded a population of 16,787,941. The union territory currently has 11 districts, with New Delhi as its capital. Official 2027 figures will be published by the Registrar General after enumeration — this page will link them the day they release, and until then we never publish projections.
Delhi census FAQ
When is the census in Delhi?
Houselisting ran 2026-04-16 to 2026-05-15 (self-enumeration 2026-04-01 to 2026-04-15). Population Enumeration follows in February 2027.
What is the census reference date for Delhi?
00:00 hrs on March 1, 2027, the national reference date. The population count describes Delhi exactly at that moment.
When will Delhi's Census 2027 population be known?
No official date is announced. Because Census 2027 is digital end-to-end, provisional totals are expected substantially faster than 2011's paper-based tabulation. Subscribe on this page to be emailed the day figures release.
Is self-enumeration still open in Delhi?
No — the self-enumeration window has closed with the houselisting phase. A fresh self-enumeration window opens before Phase 2 in February 2027.
Get notified when Delhi enters Phase 2
Phase 2 begins February 2027. One email per milestone — schedule changes, phase starts, official data releases. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
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