---
title: "National Population Register (NPR): What It Is"
description: "The National Population Register (NPR) is India's register of usual residents, crucial for identifying citizens under the Citizenship Act, 1955."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/national-population-register"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The National Population Register is a register of usual residents of India maintained under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and its 2003 rules, distinct from the census.
- Is the NPR the same as the National Register of Citizens (NRC)?
- Under what law is the NPR maintained?
- How does the NPR differ from the Census?
- Who qualifies as a usual resident for NPR purposes?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In December 2019, the Union Cabinet in New Delhi approved roughly ₹3,941 crore to update the NPR alongside Census 2021's houselisting phase, prompting Kerala and West Bengal to suspend preparatory work.

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