Next census in 2025 with expanded data collection on religion, sect: Sources

The next nationwide census will begin in 2025 and conclude in 2026, after a delay from the original 2021 schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic, government sources said. This marks a notable shift in the census cycle, which will now occur in 2035, 2045, and 2055.
The census, conducted every decade, aims to collect comprehensive data on India’s population, including information on religion, class, and caste categories such as General, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe.
For the first time, respondents may be asked to specify their sect affiliations, adding a new dimension to data collection. This includes groups like the Lingayats in Karnataka, who fall under the general category yet identify as a distinct sect.
Parties such as the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have advocated for a caste-based census, asserting that it would provide essential data to empower the underprivileged.
Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, the JDU spokesperson, stated that their government in Bihar has already conducted a caste survey and used the results to bolster social and economic policies.
“In Bihar, we not only conducted the caste census but are also using the data to support people on social and economic levels,” Prasad said. “If the central government is considering a census next year, including caste data would be highly beneficial,” Ranjan said.
Adding chorus to JDU leaders, LJP MP Shambhavi Chaudhary also demanded a nationwide caste census, stating that it would help better the condition of the downtrodden.
“To achieve policy goals, you need accurate population data. Knowing the numbers helps us implement policies more effectively,” Chaudhary said. She pointed out the importance of caste data should remain confidential, used solely for governance.
The Congress has criticised the Centre’s stance, with Congress MP Manickam Tagore accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of betraying the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community by refusing to conduct a caste census.
Taking to X, Tagore wrote, “Modi’s refusal to conduct a Caste Census is a clear betrayal of OBC communities. Ignoring the voices demanding justice, he’s denying our people their due representation—all because of political arrogance. Will RSS, JDU, and TDP stand with the people or stay silent?”
The census will also gather crucial data on religious demographics, as last recorded in 2011, where Hindus made up 79.8 per cent of the population, followed by Muslims at 14.2 per cent, Christians at 2.3 per cent, and Sikhs at 1.7 per cent.
Census data on sect and caste could help create more accurate policies, with sects recognised as subgroups within religions often reflecting different beliefs and practices. In contrast, caste is a system traditionally based on social stratification. Examples of sects include Lingayats in Hinduism and Shia and Sunni in Islam, while castes include groups such as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.