The census is a vital national event that helps shape the future of our local services and communities. By participating in that you can provide the data needed to plan for new schools, hospitals, and transport links over the next decade. For the first time in the history of India the process is almost entirely digital, making it easier than ever to share your household details from the comfort of your home. Whether you use a smartphone or a laptop, the online system is designed to be quick and secure. In this guide I’ll walk you through the simple process using which you can Self Enumerate for the census online.
Before you go ahead and learn how to Self Enumerate, check if the process has started in your state or UT. Here is a complete list of when the process will start in different states or UTs:
Note: It will open for 15 days just before the start of house-to-house operations in each State/UT.
| Region / State(s) | Dates |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha, Sikkim, Delhi (NDMC & Cantt. Board) | April 1 to April 15 |
| Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu | April 5 to April 19 |
| Uttarakhand | April 10 to April 24 |
| Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh | April 16 to April 20 |
| Bihar | April 17 to May 1 |
| Telangana | April 26 to May 10 |
| Punjab | April 30 to May 14 |
| Delhi (MCD), Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Jharkhand | May 1 to May 15 |
| Uttar Pradesh | May 7 to May 21 |
| Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry | May 17 to May 31 |
| Himachal Pradesh | June 1 to June 15 |
| Kerala, Nagaland | June 16 to June 30 |
| Tamil Nadu, Tripura | July 17 to July 31 |
| Assam | August 2 to August 16 |
| Manipur | August 17 to August 31 |
| West Bengal | To be announced |
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Self-enumeration is the official term for filling out the census form yourself online. Follow the simple steps below to do so:
1. Open a web browser and head to the Self Enumeration Portal.
2. Choose your State/UT and enter the captcha code. Once done, press the Verify & Proceed button.
3. Enter the head of the household’s name, mobile number, and email.
Note: Entering email is optional.
4. Verify using the OTP sent to your mobile.
Note: You’ll also receive an OTP by mail if you’ve added an email.
5. Proceed by hitting the Verify & Proceed button.
6. Select your language.
Note: You can pick English or any of 15 Indian languages available.
7. Fill in the census form and submit it.
8. You will now get an 11-digit Self Enumeration ID via SMS and email (if added).
Note: The Self Enumeration ID will be starting with H.
9. Save this ID and give it to the census officer when they visit for final verification.