The Union Home Ministry has officially notified the schedule for India&rsquo;s next population census, which will take place in two phases across the country. For the first time in history, the massive data collection will also include caste enumeration.
According to the notification issued under Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948, the first phase will begin on October 1, 2026, covering Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which are known for difficult terrain and snow-bound conditions.
The rest of the country will undergo the census starting March 1, 2027, which will also serve as the reference date for data across most states.
This significant update comes after the Union Cabinet recently approved caste-based enumeration, a politically sensitive move aimed at enabling more targeted policymaking.
While the BJP hailed the decision as a step toward ground-level empowerment, the Congress took credit for pushing the government on social justice.
The inclusion of caste details is expected to reshape future welfare strategies and socio-economic planning in India.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Census 2026–27: J&K, Ladakh, Hill States First Phase

Centre announces two-phase Census; caste data to be included for the first time in history

Census 2026–27: J&K, Ladakh, Hill States First Phase

Centre announces two-phase Census; caste data to be included for the first time in history

June 16, 2025 | 19:41 IST

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