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Uttar Pradesh to Conduct Caste Enumeration Alongside 2026 Census Under Ordinary Residence Principle

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
02 May 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:May 2, 2026
Bodies:Directorate of Census Operations, Uttar Pradesh
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What This Article Covers

1.Caste enumeration will be conducted alongside the 2026 census operations in Uttar Pradesh, as announced by the state's census director.

2.The enumeration will follow the 'ordinary residence' principle, counting individuals based on their usual place of residence.

3.This decision renews the debate on a nationwide caste census and has direct implications for UPSC questions on governance, social justice, and data-driven policy.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Uttar Pradesh census director has confirmed the state's upcoming census will include caste enumeration. This is a significant administrative move with major implications for social justice, policy formulation, and political representation in India's most populous state.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Announcement DateMay 2, 2026
StateUttar Pradesh
Key OfficialSheetal Verma

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Announcement Date: May 2, 2026
  • ›State: Uttar Pradesh
  • ›Target this Data: Announcement date - May 2, 2026
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Census Act, 1948

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

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is responsible for conducting the decennial Census of India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the news on caste enumeration:

1. The caste enumeration will be conducted separately from the main census exercise.

2. The principle of 'ordinary residence' will be used to determine who is counted in a particular area.

3. The announcement was made by the Director of Census Operations for Uttar Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

As per the article, on which date was the announcement regarding caste enumeration in Uttar Pradesh made?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is a primary implication of conducting a caste enumeration alongside the census, as mentioned in the context of the news?

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