First census in India was conducted in the year.

The correct answer is 1872.

Population Census provides basic statistics on state of human resources, demography, culture and economic structure at local, regional and national level.

• Beginning in the year 1872, when the first census was conducted non-synchronously, the census enumeration exercise in India is carried out in every 10 years.
• The first synchronous census was taken under British rule in 1881, by W.C. Plowden, Census Commissioner of India.
• The responsibility of conducting the decadal census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Check: Census in India