Archive · 5 Jun 2025
India's Caste Census: Data Collection to Begin in 2026-2027
The government is planning a big count of everyone in the country in 2027, and for the first time in a long time, they're also going to ask people about their caste.
This is to get better information about different groups in India, so the government can make fairer plans.
It starts in some cold, snowy areas first, then the rest of the country.
They will also collect details about people's homes, like if they have water and electricity, and their jobs.
This will be a digital census, meaning people can fill it out themselves.
The 2027 Population Census will include caste enumeration.
Caste enumeration to start October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas like Ladakh.
The rest of India will begin caste enumeration on March 1, 2027.
The census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948.
The census will collect data on household amenities and employment.
- Who
- Government of India
- What
- A national census including caste enumeration.
- When
- Caste enumeration will begin October 1, 2026, for snow-bound areas and March 1, 2027, for the rest of India.
- Where
- Across India, with initial focus on Ladakh and other snow-bound regions.
- Why
- To gather data on caste and other demographics for policy and social justice.
- Census Start Date (Snow-bound)
- October 1, 2026
- Census Start Date (Rest of India)
- March 1, 2027
- Census Type
- Digital
- Estimated Cost
- ₹13,000 crore (estimated)
- Data Collected
- Household Amenities, Employment
Sources
MHA notifies new policies for Union Territory of Ladakh that determine domicile tag
Ladakh's new domicile rules: Specific council reservations and 85% local job quota - all you need to know
Centre announces new domicile polices for Ladakh, reserves 85 per cent jobs for locals, check details
Act north: On the needs of Ladakh
Caste census likely to begin from March 1, 2027: Sources
