EWS category means individuals or families in India who have an annual income below a specific limit and do not fall under other reserved categories such as SC, ST or OBC.
The Government of India introduced this category to provide financial and educational assistance to economically disadvantaged citizens in the general category through a 10% reservation in education and government jobs.
Importance of EWS Category
The EWS full form stands for Economically Weaker Section. It was added to the Indian Constitution under Article 15(6) and Article 16(6) in 2019.
It aims to promote equal opportunities for those from the general category who face financial constraints but do not have access to existing reservation benefits.
EWS Certificate and Its Benefits
An EWS certificate is an official document issued by the government that verifies a person’s EWS status.
This certificate allows eligible candidates to apply for reserved seats in educational institutions and government job vacancies under the EWS quota.
It serves as proof of income and helps individuals avail benefits meant for the economically weaker section.
EWS Eligibility Criteria
The EWS eligibility is determined based on several factors, including:
- The family’s annual income should be below ₹8 lakh.
- The family should not own agricultural land over 5 acres.
- Residential property limits should not exceed 1000 sq. ft. in urban areas.
How to Apply for an EWS Certificate? To understand how to apply for an EWS certificate, applicants can visit the National Portal of India. The process involves filling out an online form, uploading income and property proofs, and submitting them for verification by local authorities.
