AI SummaryBihar caste census data is now part of the national Census 2027 exercise, which for the first time since independence includes a caste question for every person in the country. Bihar government has announced the dates for the two-phase census, and caste information is a key part of the count. This article covers the latest update on Bihar caste census, the survey dates, and how the data is being collected.
Earlier, Bihar carried out its own caste based survey in 2023 and released the full report on 2 October 2023. That report was the first complete caste census data released by any state in India. Now, with Census 2027, caste data is being collected again, but this time as part of the national census itself, which is a big change.
About Bihar Caste Census Data
Bihar government started its caste census on 7 January 2023. The survey was done in two phases. In the first phase, the number of households in the state was counted. In the second phase, details of people living in each household, their caste, sub-caste, and socio-economic condition were collected. The survey covered all 38 districts of the state.
The full report of the Bihar caste survey was released on 2 October 2023. According to the report, the state's population crossed 13 crore. Backward and extremely backward classes together make up about 63 percent of the population. Scheduled Castes make up about 19.65 percent and Scheduled Tribes about 1.68 percent. The unreserved category makes up about 15.52 percent.
Bihar Caste Survey 2023 Report
The 2023 report was a big step for the state. It was the first time since independence that a state released a full caste based report. The report listed 214 castes in the state. The data was meant to help in better planning of welfare schemes for the socially and economically backward castes.
The survey was done by the General Administration Department. Around 5.24 lakh surveyors, including teachers, agriculture coordinators, rojgar sewaks, vikas mitras, MNREGA staff, Asha workers, and Jeevika didis, took part in the count. All the information was uploaded on a portal.
Caste Data in Census 2027
Now, in 2026, caste data is being collected again, but this time as part of the national Census 2027. The central government has notified 40 questions for the population enumeration phase of Census 2027, and one of them is for caste. This is the first time since independence that the national census will collect caste data for every person.
For Bihar, the census will be done in two phases. The first phase is self-enumeration, where people fill in their own details online. The second phase is the house-to-house survey, where enumerators visit each home and check the details.
Bihar Census 2026 Dates
Bihar government has announced the dates for the two phases of the census. The first phase, which is self-enumeration, will run from 17 April to 1 May 2026. In this phase, people can fill in their own family and house details online on the official census portal. The second phase, which is the house-to-house survey, will run from 2 May to 31 May 2026.
The census work is being handled by the Census Cell of the Revenue and Land Reforms Department. The dates were announced by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha in February 2026. All the census work will be kept strictly confidential under the Census Act of 1946.
How to Fill the Self-Enumeration Form
For the self-enumeration phase, the government has started the official portal at se.census.gov.in. A family head can register on the portal using the family head's name and the mobile number of any one family member. After registration, the family has to answer 33 questions.
The questions cover the condition of the house, the floor, wall and roof material, the number of people living in the house, water, electricity, toilet, gas connection, internet, mobile, vehicle, and other basic facilities. After filling the form, every family gets a self-enumeration ID. This ID must be kept safe, because the enumerator will ask for it when the house is visited in the next phase.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Survey Name | Bihar Caste Census |
| Survey Started | 7 January 2023 |
| Report Released | 2 October 2023 |
| Total Castes Listed | 214 |
| State Population | Over 13 crore |
| Census 2026 Dates | 17 April to 1 May 2026 (self-enumeration), 2 May to 31 May 2026 (house survey) |
| Official Portal | se.census.gov.in |
FAQ's
Is the Bihar caste census data available?
Yes, the 2023 Bihar caste survey report was released on 2 October 2023. It lists the caste wise data of the state.
Is caste data part of the new census?
Yes, for the first time since independence, the national Census 2027 includes a caste question for every person. The central government has notified 40 questions, including one on caste.
What are the dates for the Bihar census?
The self-enumeration phase runs from 17 April to 1 May 2026, and the house-to-house survey runs from 2 May to 31 May 2026.
How to fill the self-enumeration form?
Go to the official portal at se.census.gov.in, register with the family head's name and a family member's mobile number, and answer the 33 questions. Keep the self-enumeration ID safe.
Source / Reference Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bihar-caste-census-survey-to-begin-from-january-7/article66346339.ece