Since 1951, only Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were counted in the census, while Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were identified through state surveys starting in 1961.

Since 1951, only Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were counted in the census, while Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were identified through state surveys starting in 1961.

- TDG NETWORK

All censuses since 1951 have been done under the Census of India Act, 1948, which was passed before the Indian Constitution came into effect. The most recent Census was held in 2011, and the next one was planned for 2021 but got delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Caste Census means collecting information about people's caste during the Census. This helps understand how different caste groups are spread across the country and gives insight into their social, economic, and educational conditions.

A caste census involves the systematic collection of data on the caste identities of individuals during a national census exercise.

In India, where caste has historically shaped social, economic, and political dynamics, such data can provide insights into the demographic distribution, socio-economic conditions, and representation of various caste groups. This information can be used to inform policies on affirmative action, reservations, and social justice.

During British rule, caste details were collected in the Censuses from 1881 to 1931. But after independence, starting with the 1951 Census, the government stopped including caste details for everyone.

After freedom, the government grouped people into four main categories based on their social and educational status: Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), General category.

Since then, Census data has included numbers for SCs, STs, and religious groups like Hindus and Muslims. But people in other caste groups, especially OBCs, were not counted in the Census.

By 1961, the central government allowed states to carry out their own surveys to identify and list OBCs.

The last full data on castes for all groups is from the 1931 Census during British rule. The 1941 Census also collected caste data, but the results were never published.