1.2 Million in Telangana Choose 'No Caste' in 2024 Survey, Despite Holding Certificates

Approximately 1.2 million people in Telangana, representing 3.4% of the state's population, selected the 'No Caste' option in the 2024 Socio Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste Survey (SEEEPC). The Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG) Report 2025 highlights that this demographic disproportionately occupies elite professional positions, with 7.7% holding government professional jobs and 13.3% in private professional roles, significantly exceeding state averages. Notably, 73% of these individuals reside within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits. A striking contradiction revealed by the data is that 43.3% of those identifying as caste-neutral still possess caste certificates, a figure only slightly below the state average of 47.8%. The report suggests this reflects a complex reality where individuals retain certificates for institutional benefits while asserting caste neutrality after achieving socio-economic privilege. Although grouped with Other Castes in initial data, experts argue this group is distinct due to unknown caste backgrounds. The findings underscore the persistent role of caste in accessing rights and opportunities, even among those who formally detach from caste identity.