Centre issues notification for Census, set to begin from March 2027

The Central Government has officially notified that the next Census of India will be conducted in 2027, with a reference date of 12 am on March 1, 2027.

The census, however, for Ladakh, and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the reference date has been set earlier 12 am on October 1, 2026 due to logistical and climatic considerations.

This census, the government also confirmed that the Caste Census will be conducted in parallel with the population census, marking a significant policy shift. 

This decision was taken earlier during a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the media, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had stated, “The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs has decided today that caste enumeration would be included in the forthcoming census.”

The inclusion of caste-based data collection carries substantial political implications. The Congress-led INDIA Bloc has long advocated for a caste census, making it a central campaign promise. The Centre’s move is seen by many as a strategic response to evolving public sentiment and political dynamics.

Political analysts note that this unexpected move by the government could reshape social equations and significantly influence voter perceptions ahead of future elections.