Among all communities, Shaik Muslims rank second with 27,95,727 (7.9%), followed by Mudiraj at 26,39,027 (7.4%). The Mudiraj community is the largest among backward classes.

In Scheduled Tribes, Lambadas lead with 24,04,056 (6.8%). Among backward classes, Yadavs account for 20,18,725 (5.7%), while Gouds stand at 16,10,197. In the open category, the Reddy community has a population of 17,10,244 (4.8%).

Mala second among Scheduled Castes; 'no caste' at 11.96 lakh

Within Scheduled Castes, Malas are second after Madigas with 14,71,514 (4.1%). The survey also records 11.96 lakh people (3.4%) identifying as 'no caste'.

The report highlights that just 10 castes account for nearly 60% of the population, indicating social concentration. It identifies 135 out of 242 castes as "most backward".

Backward classes form majority; experts push 'Social Justice 2.0'

Backward classes constitute 56.4% of the population, followed by Scheduled Castes at 17.4%, Scheduled Tribes at 10.4%, and other castes at 11.9%.

The expert panel stated that welfare and political representation should be based on backwardness rather than population share. It termed this approach "Social Justice 2.0".

The report also flags deep inequalities, noting that 78% of families earn below ₹1 lakh annually and around 30% of welfare funds go to relatively better-off groups. It adds that 70% of people have shifted away from traditional caste occupations, with migration, including to Gulf countries, rising significantly.

Reddy dominates among open category groups

The state has 20 open category castes with a combined population of 56,01,539, accounting for 15.79% of the total.

Reddys form the largest group within this category at 17,06,867 (30.4% of OCs, 4.8% overall). Velamas account for 1,43,279 (0.4% overall).

Other groups include upper-caste Muslims, Vaishyas, Kammas, Brahmins, Kapu/Naidu, and others with smaller shares.

Urban data shows BC majority, low ST presence

In the Hyderabad metropolitan region, backward classes form over half the population, with significant Muslim representation. Scheduled Tribe population remains low at 3.57 lakh across Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Rangareddy districts.

Gandhi Hospital to issue Amarnath Yatra certificates

Separately, Gandhi Hospital will begin accepting applications from April 18 for issuing medical certificates to Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. Tests will be conducted and certificates issued ahead of the yatra starting July 3.