India is gearing up to conduct its next nationwide census, commencing in April 2026, with a significant addition: the inclusion of caste enumeration. This marks the first time in over seven decades that caste data will be systematically collected as part of the census, a move that has sparked considerable discussion and anticipation.

The census will be carried out in two phases, adhering to the Census Act of 1948 and the Census Rules of 1990. The first phase, involving house listing and housing census, is scheduled to take place non-synchronously across states and union territories over a 45-day period between April 1 and September 30, 2026. Following this, the population enumeration phase, which will also record caste information, will be conducted between February 9 and 28, 2027. The reference date for the population count will be March 1, 2027.

However, certain regions with challenging terrain and weather conditions will have an earlier start date. Specifically, the Union Territory of Ladakh and the non-synchronous snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will begin the census exercise in October 2026, with a reference date of October 1, 2026. A formal notification outlining these reference dates is expected to be published in the official gazette on June 16, 2025.

The decision to include caste enumeration in the census is a landmark development, given that the last comprehensive caste-based count was conducted by the British administration between 1881 and 1931. While the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) was conducted in 2011, the data collected was never fully published or utilized. The inclusion of caste data in the upcoming census is seen as essential for uncovering deep-seated structural inequalities and formulating inclusive policies.

The implications of this census extend beyond data collection. The census data is a critical input for delimitation, the process of readjusting the seats of Lok Sabha and state assemblies and redrawing their territorial boundaries. Article 82 of the Constitution mandates a readjustment of seats after every census. The intent to conduct the census after 15 years is welcomed by policymakers and beneficiaries alike, as it is an important data source for delimitation and reservation of constituencies across all three tiers of government.

However, some opposition parties have expressed concerns about the delay in conducting the census, which was originally due in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for reduced parliamentary representation for states that have implemented effective population control measures.

Despite these concerns, the upcoming census represents a significant step forward in understanding India's diverse population and addressing the persistent issue of caste-based inequality. The data collected will provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers alike, informing evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at promoting social justice and equality. The 2026 census will be digital, with census data expected to be released much faster than in the past. A mobile app has been developed for data collection, along with a census portal for managing and monitoring census-related activities.