EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Reservation Guidelines
Introduced via the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 2019, the EWS category provides 10% reservation in higher education institutions and Central Government employment to citizens belonging to the General category who satisfy family income and asset conditions.
1. Key Eligibility Parameters
- Category Restriction: Must belong to the General (Unreserved) category. Candidates already covered under SC, ST, or OBC are not eligible.
- Income Limit: Total gross annual family income must be strictly below ₹8 Lakh in the financial year prior to application.
- Agricultural Land: Family must not own or possess 5 acres of agricultural land or more.
- Residential Flat: Family must not own a residential flat of 1,000 sq. ft. or above.
- Residential Plot in Municipalities: Plot area must not exceed 100 sq. yards in notified municipalities, or 200 sq. yards in non-notified areas.
2. Meaning of "Family" for EWS
For EWS certificate issuance, "Family" includes: the applicant, their parents, their spouse, their minor children, and their siblings below 18 years of age.
3. Where to Apply
EWS certificates are issued by local revenue authorities: District Magistrate, Additional DM, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or Tehsildar. Apply online through your state's respective service portal (e.g. Service Plus, e-District, e-Mitra, or MeeSeva).