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Caste to be Enumerated in 2027 Census: Pre-test Begins with Open Column for Caste Data

PolitySocial IssuesCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GABankingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
07 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Pre-test: July 6-20, 202616 states/UTs46 lakh caste names (2011 SECC)4,147 castes (1931 Census)~2,650 OBCs in Central list1,170 SCs in Central list
Bodies:Ministry of Home AffairsOffice of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner
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What This Article Covers

1.The 2027 Census will enumerate caste for the first time in independent India, with a pre-test underway from July 6-20, 2026 in 16 states/UTs using an open column for caste entry.

2.The last full caste enumeration was in 1931; the 2011 SECC (outside Census purview) recorded over 46 lakh caste names due to the open-ended format, raising concerns about data reliability.

3.Key milestones: HLO phase to conclude by Sept 2026 in all states, Population Enumeration (caste phase) in Feb 2027, and the final questionnaire to be notified by September 2026.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

For the first time since 1931, independent India will enumerate caste as part of the 2027 Population Census. A pre-test starting July 6, 2026 in 16 states uses an open column for respondents to record their castes, mirroring the 2011 SECC methodology that yielded over 46 lakh caste names. The final questionnaire will be notified by September 2026, and the exercise carries statutory backing under the Census Act, 1948.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Pre-test Start DateJuly 6, 2026
Pre-test End DateJuly 20, 2026
Caste Names in 2011 SECC46 lakh+
Castes in 1931 Census4,147
OBCs in Central List~2,650
SCs in Central List1,170
STs in Central List890
Reference Date for 2027 CensusMarch 1, 2027 (12 a.m.)
Penalty for Non-compliance₹1,000 + 6 months imprisonment
Enumeration Blocks (EBs)~24 lakh
Enumerators~30 lakh (mostly school teachers)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Pre-test Start Date: July 6, 2026
  • ›Pre-test End Date: July 20, 2026
  • ›Target this Data: Pre-test of 2027 Census caste enumeration runs from July 6 to July 20, 2026 in 16 states/UTs.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible for the Census in India.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Census Act, 1948 – non-compliance is punishable with ₹1,000 fine and 6 months imprisonment.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for conducting the Census in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the caste enumeration in the 2027 Census:

1. Caste will be enumerated as part of the second phase (Population Enumeration) of the 2027 Census, giving it statutory backing.

2. The last time caste-wise population was enumerated in independent India was in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census.

3. The ongoing pre-test uses an open column for respondents to record their castes, similar to the 2011 SECC.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

How many caste names were recorded in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC)?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason for the government's concern about the reliability of caste data collected through an open-column methodology?

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