India has officially launched its ambitious 2026 census, marking the first time since independence in 1947 that caste data will be formally collected. This two-phase exercise will be the world’s largest population count, offering critical insights into a country of over 1.4 billion people.
Caste refers to India's long-standing social classification system that continues to influence access to jobs, education, and political representation. Including caste data makes this census especially significant, as it could shape future policies on welfare, resource allocation, and social equity.
Why This Census Matters to India and the World
For the first time ever, India's census will allow people to fill out the forms digitally. In Phase 1, households will be surveyed over 30-day periods between April and September 2026. Phase Two, set for 2027, will include detailed questions on demographics, education, fertility, migration, and, importantly, caste.
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