Revamping socioeconomic assessment: 2026 updates to the B. G. Prasad and modified Kuppuswamy scales

Abstract

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a key determinant of health and well-being, influencing access to resources, services, and opportunities. In India, the B. G. Prasad and modified Kuppuswamy scales are widely used tools for classifying SES in public health research. However, due to inflation and ongoing economic changes, these scales require periodic revision to maintain their relevance and accuracy. The B. G. Prasad scale, which is based on per capita income, is updated using the consumer price index for industrial workers (CPI-IW), incorporating established linking factors from 1960 to 2016. Similarly, the modified Kuppuswamy scale, which assesses SES based on education, occupation, and total family income, undergoes regular revisions in which income thresholds are adjusted using the latest CPI-IW values. Based on the financial inflation data for January 2026, the revised B. G. Prasad scale categorizes socioeconomic classes with an updated upper-class per capita income threshold of ₹9,769 and above. Correspondingly, the modified Kuppuswamy scale reflects revised household income categories, with the highest socioeconomic class defined by a monthly family income of ₹66,007 and above. These updates improve the accuracy of socioeconomic classification, thereby supporting more reliable research findings, effective public health interventions, and informed policy formulation. Nevertheless, limitations remain, particularly with regard to regional variations in cost of living and the broader multidimensional nature of socioeconomic status, highlighting the need for continued refinement of these classification tools to enhance their applicability across diverse Indian settings.