Datanomics: Census announcement rekindles debate around role of caste

Despite forming the largest caste group, OBCs remain underrepresented in central government jobs

caste census India, OBC population data, caste representation debate, caste survey Bihar Telangana, SC ST job representation, caste-based reservation, Indian caste demographics, OBC underrepresentation, caste in public policy, 2026 caste census
Illustration: Binay Sinha
Shikha Chaturvedi New Delhi
1 min read Last Updated : Jun 06 2025 | 10:58 PM IST
Debates around caste and its role in public life has resurfaced following the announcement that a caste Census will be conducted in 2026-27. This move has stirred discussions about the representation of various caste groups relative to their share in the population.  According to recent surveys in Bihar and Telangana, Other Backward Classes and allied groups make up a majority of the population. 
 
 
 

One subscription. Two world-class reads.

Already subscribed? Log in

Subscribe to read the full story →
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

Topics :caste in indiaCaste politicscaste system indiacensus

Next Story