---
title: "Caste Census: Meaning, History, Debate | Model Diplomat"
description: "A caste census enumerates India's population by jāti, last fully done in 1931. Why the OBC count remains absent from the decennial census and who demands it."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/caste-census"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A caste census is the systematic enumeration of a population by caste identity within a national census, recording each individual's specific jāti alongside standard demographic data.
- When was the last comprehensive caste census in India?
- How does the SECC 2011 differ from the regular census?
- Why is caste data constitutionally required for SCs and STs but not OBCs?
- What did the 2025 Union Cabinet decision change?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

A caste census is the systematic enumeration of a population by caste identity within a national census, recording each individual's specific jāti alongside standard demographic data.

Go beyond the definition

## Research Caste Census like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about Caste Census

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on Caste Census](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20Caste%20Census%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In October 2023, the Bihar government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar released its caste-based survey, reporting that OBCs and Extremely Backward Classes together constituted about 63 percent of the state's population.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take Caste Census beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.