In response to opposition queries regarding the timeline for the caste census, the government has asserted that the schedule is already in place, with the exercise set to commence in the near future. This firm stance aims to dispel doubts and showcase the government's commitment to conducting the census in a timely manner.

The decision to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, the first of its kind since 1931, was made on April 30, 2025, by the Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs (CCPA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government has been preparing for the census, which will be conducted in two phases. The first phase, the Houselisting and Housing Census (HLO), is scheduled from April to September 2026, and the second phase, Population Enumeration (PE), in February 2027. Certain regions, including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, will begin the census earlier, starting in September 2026. The reference date for the census will be 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, except for the specified snow-bound areas, where it will be October 1, 2026.

Government officials have described the decision to conduct a caste census as "historic" and reflective of a commitment to social justice. They believe the data obtained will enable the formulation of more equitable and targeted policies, strengthening the social and economic structure of society. This census marks the first time since independence that all castes, excluding Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), will be counted, providing statutory backing to the exercise.

The census will be conducted digitally, using smartphones and mobile apps, and will allow citizens to self-enumerate through an online portal. The digital format is a departure from previous methods and is expected to improve efficiency and data accuracy.

The opposition has welcomed the decision to conduct the caste census but has also pressed for a clear timeline for its completion. Some parties view it as the first step towards deep social reform and have emphasized the importance of the data for policy-making and social justice initiatives.

Historically, caste enumeration was a regular feature of census exercises during British rule from 1881 to 1931. However, it was discontinued after independence in 1947, except for SCs and STs. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) in 2011 collected caste data but was not conducted as part of the official census.

The inclusion of caste enumeration in the 2027 census is expected to have far-reaching implications for affirmative action policies, social justice initiatives, and political representation. The data is expected to serve as the basis for redistributing seats in the Lok Sabha for the 2029 general election as part of the delimitation exercise.