The EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Certificate is a government-issued document that provides benefits and reservations to economically weaker sections of society in India. It was introduced under the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, to offer a 10% reservation in education and government jobs to eligible candidates. This guide explains the eligibility criteria, required documents, application process, and key details about obtaining an EWS certificate.
Eligibility for EWS Certificate
To qualify for the EWS certificate, individuals must meet specific criteria related to their economic and family status. These criteria include:
1. Income Limit
- The family’s gross annual income should not exceed ₹8,00,000.
- Income includes earnings from all sources such as:
- Salary
- Agriculture
- Business
- Other sources
2. Land Ownership
The following land ownership restrictions apply:
- Agricultural Land: The family must not own more than 5 acres.
- Residential Plot:
- In municipalities: Plot size should not exceed 100 sq. yards.
- In non-municipal areas: Plot size should not exceed 200 sq. yards.
- Residential Flat: The family should not own a residential flat exceeding 1,000 sq. feet.
3. Family Definition
The term “family” includes:
- Applicant
- Applicant’s parents
- Siblings below the age of 18
- Spouse and children under 18 years of age
4. Non-Eligibility for Reserved Categories
- Individuals already benefiting from SC, ST, or OBC reservations are not eligible for the EWS certificate.
Required Documents for EWS Certificate
To apply for an EWS certificate, applicants must provide the following documents:
1. Proof of Identity
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- PAN Card
- Passport
2. Address Proof
- Ration Card
- Utility Bills (Electricity/Water)
- Rental Agreement (if applicable)
3. Income Proof
- Income Certificate issued by a competent authority
- Salary slips or income tax returns
4. Land or Property Documents
- Documents showing ownership or size of land and property
5. Other Supporting Documents
- Passport-sized photographs
- Affidavit or self-declaration stating income and property details
How to Apply for EWS Certificate
The application process for an EWS certificate can be completed either online or offline, depending on the state or union territory. Below are the steps for both methods:
Offline Application Process
- Visit the Designated Office
- Visit your local Tehsil Office, Revenue Department, or Block Development Office.
- Obtain the Application Form
- Collect the EWS application form from the concerned office.
- Fill Out the Form
- Complete the application form with accurate details about income, property, and family information.
- Attach Required Documents
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the Application
- Submit the completed form along with the documents to the concerned authority.
- Acknowledgment Slip
- Obtain an acknowledgment receipt for tracking your application.
- Verification and Issuance
- The authorities will verify your details. Once approved, the EWS certificate will be issued within 7-21 days.
Online Application Process
- Visit the Official Portal
- Access the official website of your state’s revenue or welfare department.
- Register on the Portal
- Create an account using your mobile number or email ID.
- Fill Out the Online Form
- Log in and complete the EWS application form.
- Upload Documents
- Scan and upload the required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay Application Fee (if applicable)
- Some states may charge a nominal fee for processing the certificate.
- Submit the Application
- Submit the form and note down the application reference number.
- Track Application Status
- Use the reference number to track the status of your application.
- Download the Certificate
- Once approved, download the digitally signed EWS certificate from the portal.
Authorities Issuing the EWS Certificate
The EWS certificate is issued by designated government authorities, which include:
- Tehsildar
- Revenue Officer
- Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
Note: The issuing authority may vary depending on the state or region.
Validity of EWS Certificate
- The EWS certificate is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance.
- Applicants need to renew the certificate annually if required.
Benefits of EWS Certificate
The EWS certificate provides several advantages to eligible individuals:
- Reservation in Education
- 10% reservation in government and private educational institutions (except minority institutions).
- Reservation in Government Jobs
- 10% reservation in civil posts and services under the Government of India.
- Priority in Welfare Schemes
- Eligibility for various state and central government welfare schemes.
- Simplified Application Process
- Access to reserved seats in competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, and UPSC.
Points to Remember
- Accuracy of Information
- Ensure that the details provided in the application form are accurate and match the supporting documents.
- State-Specific Guidelines
- Each state may have specific rules or requirements for issuing the EWS certificate.
- Affidavit Requirement
- Some states may require an affidavit as part of the application.
- Renewal Process
- Submit a new application with updated income and property details for renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for an EWS certificate if I belong to the OBC category?
No, individuals already availing of SC, ST, or OBC reservations are not eligible for the EWS certificate.
2. Is the income limit of ₹8,00,000 applicable to individuals or families?
The income limit applies to the gross annual family income.
3. Can I use the EWS certificate for private sector jobs?
No, the EWS reservation is applicable only to government jobs and educational institutions.
4. What should I do if my application is rejected?
Contact the issuing authority to understand the reasons for rejection and provide additional documents if needed.
5. Is the EWS certificate applicable nationwide?
Yes, the certificate is recognized across India, but the application process may vary by state.
Conclusion
The EWS certificate is an empowering tool for economically weaker sections, enabling access to reserved opportunities in education and employment. By understanding the eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process, eligible individuals can easily obtain the certificate and benefit from government initiatives. Ensuring accurate and complete documentation is key to a successful application. For further assistance, contact your local revenue office or access your state’s official portal.
