Indian Census Set to Begin March 2027, Will Include Caste Data for First Time Since 1931
New Delhi, June 4, 2025 – The Indian government has announced that the much-delayed national census will commence on March 1, 2027, marking a significant shift as it will include caste data for the first time since 1931. The decision, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs, aims to provide a clearer picture of socio-economic conditions across communities, addressing a longstanding demand from various political and social groups.
The census, originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will also serve as a foundation for the upcoming delimitation exercise to adjust parliamentary and assembly constituencies. The last census in 2011 recorded India’s population at over 121 crore, with a growth rate of 17.7%. Since the 1976 freeze on seat reallocation, which was extended to 2026, this census could lead to significant changes in India’s legislative representation.
The inclusion of caste data is expected to enable targeted interventions by offering insights into the economic conditions of different caste groups, including Other Backward Classes (OBCs), which have not been systematically enumerated in previous censuses. Historically, caste-based data collection began with the colonial census of 1881, but comprehensive caste enumeration ceased after 1931. The Census of India has since focused on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, leaving a gap in data for other groups.
Preparations for the census have already begun, with an early rollout planned for October 2026 in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The process will also involve updating the National Population Register (NPR), which stirred controversy during its last update in 2019 due to concerns over citizenship laws.
This development has sparked varied reactions. Some view it as a step toward addressing structural inequalities, while others, like population expert Poonam Muttreja, caution that the data must be used responsibly to avoid deepening social divides. The census is also expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies on reservations, particularly as debates over caste-based quotas in education, employment, and now potentially the private sector continue to intensify.
