[throwaway3021]

Very prevalent - but less likely to see in workplace than in social life (relationships, housing). This article also alludes to social aspects (study groups, etc) in IITs and not so much on academics.

Not based on any formal survey but my perception is 80-20 tilts towards higher caste population believing in superiority of their caste. I would also add many believe reservations for backward caste is unfair.

Hindu nationalist movement (ruling party and its offshoots) will have a positive impact on caste conversation in India for sure. Unfortunately prejudice will be directed against minority religions as a result.

One important aspect the article did not mention is the impact of religion and conversion among Dalits that gave them a ticket (not always the case) out of caste based discrimination. Slowly but steadily religious rights have been taken away from them by the right leaning governments post independence.

[presentation]

One of my friends had a story, where he was conducting a job interview with an American-born Indian teammate, and the interviewee was an Indian; when the interviewee went to the bathroom, she offhand guessed at the interviewee's caste, and then immediately felt mortified that she said that to a non-Indian and apologized. Just hearing that story secondhand was pretty wild for me to process!

[bluGill]

In the US that is illegal, your friend should have immediately reported it to HR.

[Mauricebranagh]

Not totally sure that "Caste" is a protected thing.

[bluGill]

Several of the laws are broad enough to apply.

[Mauricebranagh]

Last year I remember a news item linked on HN where some HR person flat out said that "caste" is not a protected category.

[lazyninja987]

If you doubt the interviewer's integrity in making a decision, just remove him from the panel.

better to be safe than sorry.