History · 21 Aug 2026

Census 2027 caste enumeration

Consider the following statements regarding the enumeration of caste in Indian censuses:

  1. The 1931 Census was India's last comprehensive census count of caste, recording 4,147 castes.
  2. The Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 generated over 46 lakh distinct caste names and its raw caste data was released in full for public use.
  3. Government-notified master lists exist for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, but no equivalent standing master list exists for the general and OBC population.
A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
This question is based on: Census 2027 Will Ask Your Caste - But Not Give You a List. India Tried This Before.
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 21 Aug 2026
About this question

Why in news

The Registrar General of India has decided that Census 2027 will enumerate caste through an open-ended question with no predetermined list, reviving a methodological debate that has recurred since 1931.

Why for UPSC

UPSC frequently tests the distinction between "similar-sounding" administrative facts - here, the difference between a comprehensive list-based count and an open-ended self-reported one and whether data collected was actually usable/published, both classic exam traps.

Prelims summary

The 1931 Census (last full caste count) recorded 4,147 castes; the 2011 SECC's open-style approach produced 46.7 lakh names and was withheld as unusable. Only SC (1,208) and ST (730) have notified master lists - general/OBC categories do not, which is why Census 2027 again uses an open-ended question.

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