After a gap of 17 years, India is set to conduct its long-pending national census starting from March 1, 2027, marking a significant move in data collection and governance. According to reports, the census will be carried out in two phases and will, for the first time in decades, include caste-based enumeration—a key demand of several Opposition parties.
The first phase of the population count will begin on October 1, 2026, in snow-bound states and union territories including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where harsh weather conditions make the usual schedule impractical. The second phase will cover the rest of India, commencing on March 1, 2027.
The inclusion of caste data has added a significant political dimension to the exercise. This announcement comes just months before the Bihar Assembly elections, where caste politics play a crucial role. Opposition parties, especially in Bihar and other Hindi heartland states, have long demanded a detailed caste census to ensure fair distribution of welfare and representation.
The last national census was held in 2011. The 2021 census was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political deliberations over the inclusion of caste details. The 2027 census is expected to be the most comprehensive data collection exercise in India's history, impacting policymaking, welfare distribution, and electoral politics in the coming decade.
