India officially transitioned to a Digital Census today, April 1, marking a milestone in the nation’s administrative history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the process by filling out his own “Self-Enumeration” form on a tablet, a move he later shared on social media. This 2027 Census is the first of its kind to be entirely paperless, allowing citizens to provide their household data directly through a dedicated portal.

The process is designed for ease and transparency. Citizens can log in using their mobile numbers, pin their location on a map tool, and answer 33 specific questions ranging from household construction materials to the availability of amenities like internet, smartphones, and vehicles. Upon submission, a unique Self-Enumeration ID is generated. When census officials visit for physical verification, residents simply need to share this ID to confirm their details. This digital first-approach aims to provide advance data entry options 15 days before official visits, ensuring a more accurate and efficient record of the country’s demographic and economic status.