India, June 4 -- The Centre is set to launch the next nationwide Census, which will also include a caste enumeration for the first time, from March 1, 2027, senior government officials confirmed on Wednesday.

However, in some selected regions, including Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Census will commence earlier, starting in October 2026.

The national exercise will take place in two phases, the officials further said.

The development comes a month after the union government announced that the caste-based enumeration will be a part of the next decadal census. The decision was taken at the high-powered cabinet committee on political affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bihar, Telangana and An...