India’s 2027 Census to Include Caste Data After 96 Years: A Landmark in Social Policy

India is preparing to undertake its next decennial census in 2027 — an exercise that will not only digitize the data collection process for the first time but also include caste enumeration after a gap of nearly a century. This historic move, confirmed by government sources, is expected to reshape the discourse around social justice, affirmative action, and data-driven policymaking in India.

The government had earlier announced inclusion of caste census in population survey. (File photo/ for Representation) | India Today

When Will the Census Begin?

According to official sources, the 2027 Population Census will begin on March 1, 2027, and will serve as the reference date for enumeration across most of the country. However, in snow-bound areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh, where weather conditions restrict access during March, the census will commence earlier — on October 1, 2026.

The census will be conducted in two phases:

1. House Listing and Housing Census

2. Population Enumeration

The notification for this national exercise is expected to be published in the Gazette of India on June 16, 2025.

Why Caste Enumeration Now?

For the first time since 1931, India’s census will include detailed caste information for all communities. Until now, caste data collection was limited to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The inclusion of broader caste categories is being seen as a response to rising political demands and a growing need for accurate data to inform targeted welfare policies.

Many states, including Bihar, have already conducted their own caste surveys, and this move by the Centre is viewed as a logical extension toward building a comprehensive national database.

Historical Context: The Missing Decades

India has not held a full caste census since 1931. Although a Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011, its caste data was never officially published due to concerns about inaccuracies. This data vacuum has long hampered the government’s ability to design evidence-based policies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and other marginalized groups.

The demand for updated and credible caste data has been steadily growing — especially after the Mandal Commission recommendations in the 1990s and the recent Bihar caste survey in 2023–24.

Political and Social Reactions

The decision to include caste in the census has generated strong responses across the political spectrum.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a vocal supporter of caste enumeration, hailed the move and stated that accurate caste data is crucial for delivering justice and equity in resource distribution. Other regional parties, especially those that rely on OBC support, have also welcomed the decision.

However, critics argue that caste enumeration may reinforce social divisions and entrench identity politics. Some experts warn that the data could be politically misused or may lead to unintended policy consequences if not handled transparently.

India’s First Digital Census

The 2027 Census will also mark a technological leap. For the first time, the Indian government plans to conduct the census digitally — allowing for data collection through mobile apps, online self-enumeration, and centralized digital processing.

This modernization is expected to:

• Improve accuracy

• Minimize human error

• Enable faster processing and analysis

• Enhance transparency

Officials have been training field enumerators for the past year and are developing multilingual tools for ease of access.

Policy Implications: What Will the Data Be Used For?

Accurate caste data could dramatically reshape welfare policies and the design of reservation systems in education, employment, and political representation. It could also help:

• Assess economic and educational backwardness across castes

• Monitor inter-generational progress

• Identify regional disparities in social development

This data may also become instrumental in decisions related to revising reservation quotas, budget allocations for welfare schemes, and targeted social justice legislation.

Conclusion: A Transformational Moment for Indian Democracy

The 2027 Census promises to be one of the most consequential exercises in India’s democratic history. By including caste enumeration and transitioning to a digital platform, the government is setting the stage for a data-driven governance model rooted in transparency and inclusion.

While political challenges remain, the successful implementation of this initiative could deepen our understanding of India’s social fabric and open new avenues for policy reform.

As the world’s largest democracy gears up for this enormous undertaking, the eyes of political analysts, social reformers, and citizens alike will be watching — hopeful that this census delivers not just data, but direction.

(Sources: NDTV, IndiaTV, India Today)