Modified Kuppuswamy scale 2026: methodological comparison of approaches for updating income classification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262755Keywords:
Modified Kuppuswamy scale, Socioeconomic status, CPI-IWAbstract
The modified Kuppuswamy scale is an extensively utilized tool for assessment of socioeconomic status (SES) in urban India. The scale requires updates periodically due to inflation. This article revises the income component of this scale for the year 2026 using the most recent CPI-IW value (148.6). Application of three methods of revisions have been depicted: direct CPI conversion method, multiplication factor method, and proportional scaling method. All these methods established an upward shift in the income thresholds in all socioeconomic classes. Among the three, direct CPI conversion method provided the highest estimates, while the proportional scaling method overstated values. The multiplication factor method provided practical, well- balanced and at the same time, reproducible results, making it most feasible and apt for regular updates. This review sustains the original scale structure and also ensures relevance that is contemporary for both qualitative and quantitative public health research.
References
Ajayi AA, Cudjoe-Mensah YM. Impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes. Int J Appl Res Soc Sci. 2025;7(3):145-51.
Lakhumna R, Pore PD, Wadhwa SK. Socio-economic status scales in India and globally: a review. Prev Med Res Rev. 2025;2(1):40-8.
Ghodke M, Giri P. Consumer price index (CPI) – types and sources. Indian J Community Health. 2023;35(4):520-5.
Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Sh. Santosh Gangwar releases revised Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI IW) based on new series 2016=100 from the existing 2001=100. New Delhi: Press Information Bureau; 2020. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/Press releaseshare.aspx?PRID=1666782. Accessed on 20 March 2026.
Ayoub S, Raja R. Economic parameter of modified Kuppuswamy socioeconomic status scale for the year 2023. Indian J Forensic Community Med. 2023;10(2):99-101.
Kishore J, Kohli C, Kumar N, Gupta N. Scales used in India to evaluate socio-economic status in medical research: limitations of existing scales and the need for a more comprehensive one. J Indian Med Spec Assoc. 2017;30(2): 66-74.
Goel M. Needo-data on inflation in India: an analysis of methodology of measuring inflation. Jagannath Univ Res J. 2022;3(1):62-76.
Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. Consumer price index numbers for industrial workers (CPI IW) (Base 2016=100) – January, 2026. Chandigarh: Labour Bureau. Available at: https://labourbureau.gov.in/uploads/ public/notice/Press-Release-CPI-IW--Jan-2026Epdf-086bc833d84b396e4d2b5ce772321746.pdf. Accessed on 20 March 2026.
Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. All India general index. Available at: https://www.labourbureau.gov.in/all indiageneralindex-1. Accessed on 20 March 2026.
Kuppuswamy B. Manual of Socioeconomic Status (Urban). Delhi: Manasayan; 1981.
Varshney R, Sharma R. Revised Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic status scale: updated. Int J Recent Innov Med Clin Res. 2025;7(4):146-9.
Jabeen R, Karthika P. Updated socioeconomic classification: revised modified BG Prasad and modified Kuppuswamy scales for January 2025. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2025;12(5):2103-7.
Ahmad A, Faizi N, Siddiqui NA. Revised Prasad and Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scales for India in 2024: methods and updates. Indian J Community Health. 2024;36(4):598-603.
Saleem SM, Jan SS. Modified Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale updated for the year 2021. Indian J Forensic Community Med. 2021;8(1):1-3.
Shankar R, Tyagi S, Sharma J. Updated socioeconomic status scales: a review of the modified Kuppuswamy and modified BG Prasad indices for April 2025. Natl J Community Med. 2025;16(9):942-5.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
