Who is Eligible for EWS Certificate for UPSC?

EWS Reservations were upheld for validity by the Supreme Court on 7th November 2022 under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019. It introduced 10% reservation in education and government jobs in India for a section of the general category candidates. 

The EWS Reservation amendment was challenged as it questioned the constitutional validity of reservations. This article is going to cover the topic of EWS Reservations in detail. 

Economically Weaker Sections Reservation

10% EWS Reservation was introduced for the general category candidates. This is specifically for the general category economically backward sections who are not covered in any other reservation category like OBC, SC, ST and PH and Ex-servicemen criteria. 

EWS Reservation Eligibility Criteria

In order to gain an EWS Certificate, the Government of India has laid down certain eligibility requirements to be able to claim reservation benefits. To be eligible for EWS Reservation, one must satisfy the following conditions- 

• You must belong to the ‘general’ category, without being covered under SC, ST, or OBC reservations.
• Your family's gross annual income, from all sources including agriculture, salary, business, etc., should be below Rs. 8 lakhs for the financial year prior to your exam application.
• Your family should not own agricultural land exceeding 5 acres.
• Your family should not own a residential flat larger than 1000 square feet.
• Your family should not own a residential plot of 100 square yards or more in notified municipalities.
• Your family should not own a residential plot of 200 square yards or more outside of notified municipalities.

What does’ Family’ mean under the EWS Reservation rules?

Under the EWS Reservation, ‘family’ means the following people- 

• The applicant seeking the reservation 
• Parents of the applicant
• Siblings of the applicant below the age of 18 years.
• Applicant’s spouse or children below the age of 18 years.

EWS Reservations- How to Apply?

One can apply for the EWS Certificate at their local government authority office/ Tehsil. Also known to be as ‘ Income and Assets Certificate’ this certificate acts as a proof for availing EWS category reservations. 

Currently there is no online mode of method to apply for the EWS certificate. One will have to be physically present at the tehsil to apply for this document. The following documents will be required- 

1. Aadhar Card
2. PAN Card
3. Bank Statements
4. Passport Size Photo
5. Income and Assets Certificate

The EWS certificate looks like this below:

Only a designated government officer can verify your documents and approve your EWS Certificate. EWS Certificate issued by either of the following authorities will be accepted as a valid proof- 

• District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate/Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner/1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/Extra Assistant Commissioner
• Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate
• Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar and
• Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the candidate and his family normally reside.

EWS Reservation FAQs

Q1. Does EWS get reservations in UPSC?
Ans. Yes, EWS candidates get a 10% reservation in UPSC.

Q2. How many EWS seats are there in UPSC?
Ans. The number of EWS seats varies yearly based on the total vacancies.

Q3. What is the rank of EWS in UPSC?
Ans. EWS ranks are determined based on merit within the EWS category.

Q4. What is the reservation for EWS quota?
Ans. The EWS quota provides 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.

Q5. Is there any extra attempt for EWS in UPSC?
Ans. No, EWS candidates do not get extra attempts in UPSC exams.

Q6. Does UPSC accept EWS certificate?
Ans. Yes, UPSC accepts valid EWS certificates for claiming the reservation.
Q7. Can EWS cutoff be higher than general?
Ans. Yes, the EWS cutoff can be higher than the general cutoff depending on competition and performance.