India launches world’s ‘largest’ census, adds caste data for 1st time since independence

NEW DELHI

India on Wednesday began the world’s “largest” population count, including caste identification data for the first time since the country’s independence in 1947.

The census, conducted in two phases, is digital and for the first time allows self-enumeration, according to the Indian Home Ministry.

A total of 33 questions will be asked during the first phase.

Phase one, covering house listing and housing, will run from April to September 2026, with each household surveyed over 30 days. Phase two, planned for February 2027, will collect individual data on demographics, socio-economic status, education, migration, fertility and caste.

The last census, in 2011, recorded India’s population at 1.21 billion. The inclusion of caste data marks the first such collection since 1931.

The Hindu caste system traditionally divides people into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, with Dalits, or “Untouchables,” outside these groups.

India, with 1.4 billion people in 2023 according to UN data, has surpassed China as the world’s most populous country.