The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation is a pivotal provision in the Indian constitutional framework, aimed at providing equitable opportunities in education and government employment. Introduced through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, it provides a 10% reservation for candidates from the General category who are economically disadvantaged and not covered under existing SC, ST, or OBC quotas.
On November 7, 2022, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of the EWS reservation, affirming that economic criteria can be a permissible basis for affirmative action.
EWS Reservation: Historical and Legal Context
The EWS quota was a significant departure from the traditional caste-based reservation system in India. By amending Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, the government empowered the state to make special provisions for the “economically weaker sections” of society.
- 103rd Amendment Act, 2019: Inserted Article 15(6) and Article 16(6) to permit 10% reservation in educational institutions and initial appointments in services.
- Supreme Court Validation (2022): The 5-judge bench ruled that the EWS quota does not violate the “basic structure” of the Constitution or the 50% ceiling limit set in the Indra Sawhney case, as the 50% limit applies specifically to caste-based reservations.
Comprehensive EWS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EWS category in the UPSC exam, a candidate must fulfill specific “Income and Asset” requirements. These criteria are strictly monitored and must be valid for the financial year prior to the year of the exam application.
1. Category Exclusion
Candidates must belong to the General Category. If an individual is already covered under the reservation benefits of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer), they are ineligible for the EWS quota.
2. Family Income Limit
The total Gross Annual Income of the family must be below Rs. 8 Lakhs. This income must include all sources, such as:
- Salary
- Agriculture
- Business
- Profession
- Interest/Dividends
3. Asset Ownership Restrictions
Even if the income is below the threshold, the candidate’s family must not own any of the following assets:
- Agricultural Land: 5 acres or more.
- Residential Flat: 1,000 square feet or more.
- Residential Plot (Notified Municipalities): 100 square yards or more.
- Residential Plot (Other Areas): 200 square yards or more.
Defining ‘Family’ Under EWS Rules
The term “Family” for EWS certification is broader than a single household. It includes specific members whose income and assets are clubbed together for evaluation:
- The applicant seeking the reservation.
- The parents of the applicant.
- Siblings of the applicant who are below 18 years of age.
- The applicant’s spouse and children who are below 18 years of age.
How to Apply for an EWS Certificate
The EWS certificate is officially known as the ‘Income and Assets Certificate’. It serves as the primary evidentiary document for claiming reservation during the UPSC interview (Personality Test) and final allocation.
Application Process
Currently, there is no centralized online mode for EWS applications. Candidates must physically visit their local government authority office or Tehsil to initiate the process.
Required Documents
Aspirants should keep the following documents ready for verification:
- Aadhar Card (Identity Proof)
- PAN Card (Financial Track Record)
- Bank Statements (Income Proof)
- Passport Size Photographs
- Income and Assets Statement (Local formats provided at the office)
Authorized Issuing Officers
A certificate is only valid if issued by a designated authority. The following officers are authorized to approve an EWS certificate:
- District Magistrate (DM) / Additional District Magistrate (ADM) / Collector.
- Deputy Commissioner / Additional Deputy Commissioner.
- 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate / Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) / Taluka Magistrate.
- Executive Magistrate / Extra Assistant Commissioner.
- Chief Presidency Magistrate / Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate / Presidency Magistrate.
- Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar.
- Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the area where the candidate and family reside.
