Census 2027 to feature nationwide Caste enumeration for first time since 1931

The government has confirmed that Census 2027 will include caste-wise enumeration, marking the first comprehensive caste census in India since 1931. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) approved the decision on 30 April 2025, emphasizing a unified, transparent approach to data collection to ensure accuracy and consistency across the country.

Historically, post-independence censuses recorded only the numbers of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), while the overall caste structure was not enumerated. Several states have conducted their own caste surveys in recent years, but differences in methodology and transparency highlighted the need for a national-level, standardized census. The caste data collected in Census 2027 is expected to inform policy-making, social justice measures, representation, and resource allocation.

Procedurally, the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, is finalizing the census questionnaire. As in past censuses, primary school teachers are likely to be appointed as enumerators. The timeline for Census 2027 will follow previous census schedules.

Enumeration of SCs and STs will strictly follow the notified lists under the Constitution (SC) Order, 1950 and Constitution (ST) Order, 1950, as amended from time to time. The approach to caste enumeration will be guided by the Cabinet Committee’s decision, ensuring that data is collected legally, systematically, and consistently.

Under section 8(2) of the Census Act, 1948, respondents are legally required to answer all census questions, including caste, to the best of their knowledge or belief, ensuring the reliability of the data.

The decision to include caste enumeration underscores the government’s effort to produce a comprehensive and accurate demographic dataset that reflects India’s social composition in a way that can guide future policies and planning.