Caste Census and Census 2026

Caste Census

Caste enumeration will use an open-ended question, rather than a fixed drop-down list.

Enumerators will record the caste exactly as stated by respondents.

They will not classify surnames, sub-castes or responses into broader caste categories.

The approach is expected to produce data similar to the 2011 SECC caste exercise.

Population enumeration and caste census are scheduled for February 2027.

Also compare 2011 census rules vs new Census rules.