In a historic move, the Government of India has officially scheduled the launch of the country’s first caste-based digital census for March 1, 2027. The announcement marks a significant turning point in India’s demographic mapping, as the nation prepares to collect caste-related data at this scale for the first time in nearly a century.
Unlike previous census exercises, the 2027 edition will be entirely digital, with enumerators using mobile apps and dedicated digital platforms to collect and process data. Officials say the aim is to modernize data collection while improving accuracy and accessibility.
India Set to Launch First Caste-Based Digital Census on March 1, 2027
The process will begin earlier—on October 1, 2026—in snow-bound regions like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of the Northeast, ensuring that harsh weather does not hamper data collection efforts.
What sets this census apart is the inclusion of detailed caste information beyond the usual Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) data. This will be the first time since 1931 that such data is officially gathered, responding to long-standing demands by political parties, academics, and social justice advocates who argue that reliable caste data is essential for equitable policy design.
Union Home Ministry officials have clarified that the census will be carried out in two phases under the Census Act of 1948, with updated rules to reflect the digital process. The exercise will cover the entire population, aiming to create a comprehensive database that can inform policies related to education, employment, health, and welfare schemes.
Experts believe the inclusion of caste enumeration could reshape discussions around reservations, development funding, and socio-economic disparities. However, the move is not without controversy. While proponents hail it as a necessary step toward transparency and representation, critics argue it could deepen caste divisions.
The last nationwide census was conducted in 2011. The 2021 edition was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the 2027 census the first full-scale population survey in 16 years.
As India prepares for this ambitious and sensitive project, the world will be watching to see how the nation balances its commitment to digital innovation with the complexities of its social fabric.
