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Census 2026: Self-Enumeration Portal Opens April 1 With 33 FAQs, Live-in Couples Recognized as Married

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
30 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:April 1, 202633 FAQs16th Census
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What This Article Covers

1.The 16th Census of India will begin its first phase (Houselisting & Housing Census) on April 1, 2026.

2.A new self-enumeration portal is active, featuring 33 FAQs to guide respondents, including recognition of stable live-in couples as married.

3.The first phase will collect data on housing materials, household demographics, ownership status, and access to amenities.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The government has launched a self-enumeration portal for the 16th Census (2026), releasing 33 FAQs ahead of the first phase starting April 1, 2026. A key FAQ clarifies that stable live-in relationships should be treated as married couples for enumeration, reflecting evolving social norms.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Census Phase Start DateApril 1, 2026
Number of FAQs Released33
Census Number16th Census

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Census Phase Start Date: April 1, 2026
  • ›Number of FAQs Released: 33
  • ›Target this Data: 33 FAQs released for Census 2026 self-enumeration.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner (under Ministry of Home Affairs).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Census conducted under the Census Act, 1948.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Under which ministry does the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner function?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the 16th Census of India:

1. The first phase, Houselisting and Housing Census, is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2026.

2. A self-enumeration portal has been opened with 30 FAQs to guide respondents.

3. According to the FAQs, couples in a stable live-in relationship should be enumerated as a married couple.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been released for the self-enumeration portal of the first phase of Census 2026?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is a significant implication of the FAQ stating that stable live-in couples should be treated as married couples for Census enumeration?

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