West Bengal — Census 2027
Enumeration underwayHouselisting window (Phase 1)
Aug 16 – Sep 14, 2026
Self-enumeration window
Aug 1–15, 2026
Population enumeration (Phase 2)
Feb 1–28, 2027
Reference date
March 1, 2027
00:00 hrs — the “census moment”
9,12,76,115
2011 population
23
districts
Kolkata
capital
WB was the only state listed 'To be decided' in the April 2026 ORGI all-India table; the Govt of WB later notified SE 1-15 Aug 2026 and HLO 16 Aug-14 Sep 2026 (announced by the Directorate of Census Operations, West Bengal; WB state gazette notification reported 11 May 2026; PIB PRID 2266348 covered the Principal Census Officers meet). As of 2026-08-31 WB is mid-way through the enumerator field phase - the last of…
West Bengal is taking part in Census 2027 — India's 16th census and its first fully digital one — like every state in the country, across two phases: the Houselisting & Housing Census (Phase 1, April–September 2026) and Population Enumeration (Phase 2).
Status now: houselisting is underway in West Bengal — one of the last states still in its Phase 1 window. See the notes and sources below for the exact dates.
Houselisting in West Bengal
In West Bengal, its 30-day houselisting window ran 2026-08-16 to 2026-09-14, preceded by an online self-enumeration window from 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-15 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 West Bengal
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: West Bengal's official 2027 population will describe the state exactly at that moment.
West Bengal in numbers
At the 2011 census West Bengal recorded a population of 91,276,115. The state currently has 23 districts, with Kolkata 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.
West Bengal census FAQ
When is the census in West Bengal?
Houselisting ran 2026-08-16 to 2026-09-14 (self-enumeration 2026-08-01 to 2026-08-15). Population Enumeration follows in February 2027.
What is the census reference date for West Bengal?
00:00 hrs on March 1, 2027, the national reference date. The population count describes West Bengal exactly at that moment.
When will West Bengal'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 West Bengal?
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 West Bengal enters Phase 2
Phase 2 begins February 2027. One email per milestone — schedule changes, phase starts, official data releases. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing you consent to milestone emails under our privacy policy (DPDP Act, 2023 compliant).