Live-in Couples to Be Counted as Married in Census 2027

There is good news for people living in live-in relationships. In Census 2027, such couples will now be counted as “married.”

The government has clarified that if a couple considers their relationship permanent, they can declare themselves as married. This applies both during online self-enumeration and when a census officer visits the home.

Officials also said that in earlier censuses, couples who identified themselves as married were recorded the same way. This move reflects changes in modern society and relationships.

What You Should Know

• House-listing phase:One of the 31 questions will ask how many married couples live in a household. This phase will run for 45 days between April 1 and September 30 (exact dates will vary by state).
• Self-enumeration: First 15 days are for online self-enumeration, followed by 30 days of field visits by officials.
• No documents needed: You don’t have to show any documents. Just provide information based on your knowledge.
• Easy verification: Details can be verified using an OTP by the head of the family or any adult member.
• Language options: The online system will be available in English and 15 Indian languages from April 1.
• Digital mapping: You will need to select your district, PIN code, and mark your house on a digital map.
• Data safety: All data will be encrypted and stored securely. Once submitted, only officials can make changes.

Earlier, many people had doubts about how live-in couples would be treated in the census—whether they would be counted as unmarried or if the government would create a separate category. With this clarification, it is now clear that such couples can be recorded as married if they consider their relationship permanent.