Ensuring Contemporary Socio-economic Classification: Updated Modified BG Prasad Scale for 2026

Abstract

Background: Socio-economic status (SES) is an important determinant of health and influences accessibility, affordability, and utilization of health care services. The BG Prasad classification, proposed in 1961, is widely used in India to assess SES in both rural and urban populations. However, due to inflation and changing economic conditions, the income limits require periodic revision using the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW).

Methods: The updated Modified BG Prasad classification for 2026 was calculated using the CPI-IW for January 2026 (148.6; base year 2016 = 100) released by the Labour Bureau, Government of India. The revised income limits were derived using the multiplication constant obtained after applying the standard linking factors.

Results: Using the multiplication constant 97.69, the updated per capita monthly income limits were calculated as follows: Class I ? ?9769; Class II ?4885–?9768; Class III ?2931–?4884; Class IV ?1465–?2930; and Class V < ?1465.

Conclusion: The updated BG Prasad classification for 2026 reflects current inflation and provides a relevant tool for assessing socio-economic status in epidemiological and public health research in India.