The commission completed its work in two years and prepared a list of 2399 castes and communities and suggested several measures for their social and economic development. About 70 per cent of India’s population was considered backward. Caste was taken as they key factor in making a list of backward classes.

The commission proposed reservations of at least 25% in class I, 33.5% in class II and 40% in class III and IV services for the castes listed as backward. It recommended to a reservation in the fields of medical, scientific arid technical education. The commission also recommended the formation of a separate ministry for the welfare of backward classes.