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India Begins World's Largest Population Census

People walk near the clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 02, 2026. India has begun counting its population in the world's largest census, which will include caste enumeration for the first time in nearly a century. This year's census is a $1.24 billion exercise during which more than three million Indian officials will spend a year surveying about 1.4 billion Indians about their household composition, living conditions, and access to basic amenities. The previous census in 2011 recorded a population of 1.21 billion. It is now estimated to be more than 1.4 billion, making India the most populous nation. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13528374
Date Taken	2 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Large Group of People clock tower Ghanta Ghar Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir April 2026 India population counting world’s largest census caste enumeration century $1.24bn exercise Indian officials surveying household composition living conditions access to basic amenities 2011 census population 1.21 billion 1.4 billion most populous nation Firdous Nazir NurPhoto census enumeration officials amenities previous census population growth demography data collection household survey living standards population estimate.