Census 2027: Retaining Urban Area Definition

• Census 2027 will retain the same definition of an urban area as used in Census 2011 to ensure uniformity and comparability in analysing urbanisation trends.

Urban Area Definition (Census 2011 & retained for 2027)

1. Statutory Towns

   • Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Nagar Palika, Town Panchayat, Cantonment Board, Notified Area Committee.

2. Census Towns

   • Villages with the following criteria:

     • Population ≥ 5,000 persons

     • Density ≥ 400 persons/sq. km

     • ≥ 75% of male working population engaged in non-agricultural activities

Data Highlights

• Census 2011

  • Total Population: 121 crore

  • Rural: 83.3 crore (68.8%)

  • Urban: 37.7 crore (31.2%)

  • Villages: 6,40,867

  • Urban Units (Towns & Cities): 15,870

• Census 1951 (first after Independence):

  • Urban share: 17.3%

  • Indicates sharp rise in urbanisation post-independence.

Procedural Details for Census 2027

• Demarcation Task:

  • Directorates of Census Operations (DCOs) to update list of villages and towns/wards (jurisdictional changes till Dec 31, 2025).

• Freezing of Boundaries:

  • Administrative boundaries frozen on Jan 1, 2026.

  • Statutory towns as they exist on this date will be counted.

• Identification of Potential Urban Units:

  • Villages with ≥ 4,000 population in Census 2011 will be re-examined (as they are expected to cross 5,000 by 2027).

• Phasing:

  • First phase begins April 1, 2026.

Significance

• Ensures comparability across decades for urbanisation trends.

• Helps in urban planning, infrastructure needs, and policy framing.

• Avoids definitional disputes between Census years.