The Government of India has established a provision for 10% reservation in education and government jobs for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). This benefit is available only to those who meet EWS eligibility and have a valid EWS certificate.
This is an important initiative for the economically weaker sections of the general category, in which they can avail the benefit of reservation in admission in government colleges and government jobs. Let’s understand the eligibility, benefits and documents required and how to apply for an EWS certificate.
What is an EWS Certificate?
The EWS full form is Economically Weaker Section. EWS is for people from the upper castes (General Category) who are economically weaker and whose annual income is below a certain threshold. This certificate helps them get 10% reservation. If someone falls under EWS category, they shall not be eligible for any other caste reservation such as SC, ST, OBC. Applying for an EWS certificate can be done through online or offline methods.
Issuing Authorities of EWS Certificate
EWS certificates are issued only by qualified authorities. All eligible citizens can obtain them by visiting the official office.
✅ District Revenue Officer
✅ District Magistrate
- Additional Deputy Commissioner
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate
- Additional District Magistrate
- Deputy Commissioner
- Collector
- Taluka Magistrate
- Executive Magistrate
- Extra Assistant Commissioner
- First Class Stipendiary Magistrate
✅ Other authorities:
- Presidency Magistrate
- Chief Presidency Magistrate
- Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate
Eligibility for EWS Certificate
The eligibility criteria to get an EWS certificate is defined by the government of India. e EWS requirements are given below:
- Be from the General Category.
- Annual family income should be less than ₹8 lakh.
- The family should not have any of the following:
- Agricultural land of 5 acres or more
- A house measuring 1,000 square feet or more
- A residential plot measuring 100 square yards or more in a municipal area (non-notified area)
- Residential plot of 200 sq. yards or more in Municipal area (notified area) Ensure that you do not fall under any other reservation category (SC/ST/OBC).
Required Documents
Here is a list of all the documents you may need while applying for an EWS Certificate:
- Applicant’s Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Address Proof
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if required)
- Ration Card/Family ID Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-size photograph
Offline Process For EWS Certificate
- Visit the Revenue Department or Tehsil Office (SDM/Tehsildar/Collector Office)
- Get an EWS certificate application form.
- Attach the required documents with the form.
- Fill out the form and verify all information.
- Submit the form and obtain a receipt.
- After verification, the certificate will be issued.
- You can check the status of your application at the office or check it on the state website.
EWS Certificate Apply Online
Many state governments provide the facility to apply online for EWS certificate.
- Visit official website – edistrict.up.gov.in
- Under “Citizen Services,” select “Income Certificate/EWS Certificate.”
- Login or register again.
- Fill out the form and upload documents.
- Submit the form and pay the fee (if applicable).
- Print the application receipt.
- You can download the certificate after a few days.
The EWS certificate is a vital document for those who are economically disadvantaged but do not fall into any reserved category. This certificate entitles them to 10% reservation in government jobs and education.
State Wise Links for Applying EWS Certificate Online
Candidates can check the official website of their state. The table also provides the details of the authority that issues the certificate in each state.
| State | Portal Name |
| Andhra Pradesh | Meeseva App |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Arunachal eServices Portal |
| Assam | Assam State Portal |
| Bihar | RTPS Portal |
| Chandigarh | e-District Portal |
| Chhattisgarh | e-District Portal |
| Delhi | e-District Portal |
| Gujarat | Digital Gujarat Portal |
| Haryana | e-Disha Portal |
| Himachal Pradesh | Himachal Online Seva |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu & Kashmir State e-Services |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand e-District |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP e-District Portal |
| Maharashtra | Aaple Sarkar Portal |
| Manipur | e-District Portal |
| Meghalaya | e-District Portal |
| Mizoram | e-District Portal |
| Nagaland | e-District Portal |
| Odisha | e-District Portal |
| Punjab | State Portal of Punjab |
| Rajasthan | e-Mitra Portal |
| Sikkim | e-Services |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil Nadu e-Sevai |
| Telangana | MeeSeva Portal |
| Tripura | e-District Portal |
| Uttarakhand | e-District Portal |
| Uttar Pradesh | e-Saathi Web Portal |
| West Bengal | West Bengal e-District |
The Indian Government has implemented a 10% reservation quota for individuals belonging to the EWS category. EWS is a subcategory of the General category whose family income is below 8 lacs per annum. The EWS certificate is generally valid for one year from the date of issuance and depends upon the designated authority.
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