The Social and Educational Survey, widely referred to as the Karnataka caste census, which was scheduled to conclude on October 7, 2025, is likely to be extended, according to a memo issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy. The department has also announced revised school timings from October 8 onwards to help teachers complete their assigned survey work without disrupting students’ learning schedules.
Revised School Timings Across Karnataka
As per the official memorandum dated October 6, government and aided schools in Greater Bengaluru will function from 8 AM to 1 PM between October 8 and October 24, 2025. During this period, teachers appointed as enumerators will continue their survey duties after school hours.
For the rest of Karnataka, all government and aided schools will follow the 8 AM to 1 PM schedule from October 8 to 12, 2025. This temporary change aims to balance academic continuity with the completion of the ongoing survey.
The memo also refers to a letter from the Department of Backward Classes Welfare, which requested additional time to finish the survey. The Department of Education stated that the revised timing was introduced “in the academic interest of students and to ensure classes do not suffer due to survey duties” once schools reopen after the Dasara holidays.
About the Social and Educational Survey (Caste Census)
The Social and Educational Survey is being conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes (KSCBC). The extensive data collection exercise began on September 22, 2025, and was initially slated to end by October 7, 2025. However, due to delays in training and preparation in the Greater Bengaluru region, authorities anticipate a brief extension to ensure comprehensive coverage.
According to officials, this large-scale exercise is being conducted at an estimated cost of ₹420 crore, using a scientifically designed 60-question questionnaire. The survey seeks to collect data on social, educational, and economic parameters of the population across the state, including details related to caste, education, occupation, and household conditions.
Historical Context
Karnataka last undertook a similar Social and Educational Survey in 2015, which cost the government approximately ₹165.51 crore. However, that data was never officially published due to various administrative and political reasons. The current survey, officials emphasized, is being conducted with greater accuracy, transparency, and modern data management tools to ensure reliability and public trust.
Importance of the Survey
The ongoing caste-based survey is expected to play a crucial role in shaping social justice and welfare policies in Karnataka. The collected data will help the government update reservation policies, assess educational and economic disparities, and design targeted welfare schemes for backward and underprivileged communities.
Experts believe that accurate, up-to-date data will help policymakers move from caste-based assumptions to data-driven governance, addressing inequalities more effectively.
Formal Announcement Expected
While the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has not yet released an official statement regarding the extension of the survey, a formal announcement is expected soon. The decision to adjust school timings demonstrates the government’s effort to balance educational needs with administrative responsibilities, ensuring that neither students’ academics nor the state’s critical data collection exercise suffers, for more details CLICK HERE
