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4 September 2026

Government approach to OBC lists in Census 2027

The methodology of caste enumeration in the Census is a major national policy issue with significant implications for social justice, reservation policy, and the sociological understanding of Indian society, making it highly relevant for UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 17 of 18 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The 2027 Census will utilize an open-column method for caste enumeration.
  • The government rejected using Central and State OBC lists for enumeration because these lists represent 'classes' rather than 'castes'.
  • OBC lists contain entries based on occupation, geographic status (e.g., 'local borns'), or labor categories, which do not align with the sociological definition of caste.
  • Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities will continue to be enumerated using established Presidential lists.
  • The open-column method allows respondents to self-identify their caste, a process previously used in the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC).
  • Concerns exist that the open-column method may generate a vast number of disparate entries, complicating data consolidation and analysis.
  • Approximately 3,000 communities are currently classified as OBCs, with some overlap where communities are classified as SC or ST in different states.

Part of a longer story

This is day 17 of 18 in Caste enumeration in Census 2027, which has been running since 7 July 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the methodological challenges involved in caste enumeration in India, particularly regarding the distinction between 'caste' and 'class' in administrative lists. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The use of an open-column method for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census has sparked debate regarding data accuracy and administrative utility. Critically analyze the implications of this methodology for social policy and the identification of backward classes in India. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which method has the Union government decided to adopt for the enumeration of castes in the 2027 Census?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-09-04/government-approach-to-obc-lists-in-census-2027