The Population Enumeration phase of Census 2027 has been brought forward in four poll-bound States: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa. Enumeration will run from November 16, 2026 to January 4, 2027, with a revisional round on January 5-9; the reference date is January 5, 2027. Self-enumeration opens November 16-30, before door-to-door work begins on December 1. The second phase has 40 questions, including an open-ended caste field, with at least 13 new questions over Census 2011, covering nationality, digital literacy, COVID-19 vaccination, bank accounts, Aadhaar and voter ID. Census work in Manipur stays deferred.