What is the EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate is an Income and Assets Certificate issued to individuals from the General category who are economically weaker. It provides eligibility for a 10% reservation in education and government jobs.

Who is eligible for the EWS Certificate?

Eligibility includes belonging to the General category (not SC/ST/OBC), having a gross annual family income below ₹8 lakhs, owning less than five acres of agricultural land, and having residential property within specified limits.

How can one apply for the EWS Certificate?

To apply, visit your local Tehsil or other designated authority, fill out the application form, and submit it along with required documents. Some states also offer online application options.

What documents are needed for the EWS Certificate?

Required documents include a stamp-size photo, Aadhaar card or other identity proof, land/property papers, self-attested affidavit, residential proof/domicile certificate, and the Income and Asset Certificate.

What is the EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate is an Income and Assets Certificate issued to individuals from the General category who are economically weaker. It provides eligibility for a 10% reservation in education and government jobs.

Who is eligible for the EWS Certificate?

Eligibility includes belonging to the General category (not SC/ST/OBC), having a gross annual family income below ₹8 lakhs, owning less than five acres of agricultural land, and having residential property within specified limits.

How can one apply for the EWS Certificate?

To apply, visit your local Tehsil or other designated authority, fill out the application form, and submit it along with required documents. Some states also offer online application options.

What documents are needed for the EWS Certificate?

Required documents include a stamp-size photo, Aadhaar card or other identity proof, land/property papers, self-attested affidavit, residential proof/domicile certificate, and the Income and Asset Certificate.

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How To Apply For An EWS Certificate? A Step-by-Step Guide

Q: Who can issue the EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate can be issued by authorities like District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and other designated revenue officers.

Q: Who can issue the EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate can be issued by authorities like District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and other designated revenue officers.

Neha Gupta

Author

Updated: 19-03-2025 at 12:32 PM

Income and Assets Certificate also called the EWS Certificate is essential for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category individuals who want to apply for 10% reservation in education and government jobs.

In this article, we will guide you on how to apply for an EWS Certificate including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step process towards acquiring it.

Overview

Name of the certificate	EWS Certificate
EWS Certificate Full form	Economically Weaker Sections Certificate
Launched by	Indian government
Launched in	2019
Objective	To provide reservations to people from the General category who could come under EWS however, it is given to other classes of people as well
Benefits	10% reservation in govt jobs and educational institutions
Validity	1-year
Eligibility Criteria	Annual family income of less than 8 lakh
Application mode	Online/Offline

What Is The EWS Reservation?

The introduction of the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019 led to the creation of a new quota known as EWS Quota that changed Articles 15 and 16 incorporating provisions relating to economically weaker sections. This quota aims to provide economic reservation in jobs and admissions to educational institutions based on certain income and asset criteria.

Objectives

The EWS Certificate is a crucial document that helps economically weaker individuals from the General category access education and job opportunities. It ensures that financial limitations do not become a barrier to growth.

Social justice: The EWS Certificate is specifically designed for people who come from the economically weaker sections of society, especially those who are from the General category.
For equality: The certificate provides a 10% reservation in govt jobs and educational institutions and helps in bridging the gap between different income groups and promoting equality.
Promoting higher education: The EWS Certificate enables students from low-income groups to secure admissions in prestigious educational institutions under reserved quota with relaxation on fees as well.
Inclusive development: The certificate aims to ensure that people from financially weaker sections irrespective of their caste would be able to access opportunities related to government jobs, education, etc.

Benefits

The EWS Certificate offers significant advantages to individuals from economically weaker sections in the General category. It helps in education, employment, and government schemes, ensuring better opportunities for those in need.

Reservation: The EWS Certificate provides a 10% reservation in educational institutions for admissions and a 10% reservation for govt jobs in various departments.
Fee concessions: EWS Certificate Holders are eligible for fee reductions or concessions in govt schemes or educational institutions as well.
Government schemes: The EWS Certificate allows EWS Certificateholders to access government schemes specially launched for them.
Preference in competitive exams: The candidates applying for competitive exams such as UPSC, NEET, and others can choose the EWS Quota and avail its benefits.

EWS Certificate Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an EWS Certificate, individuals must meet specific eligibility criteria related to income, property, and category status. This ensures that only genuine individuals benefit from the scheme.

General Category: You should belong to the general category without claiming any benefit under SC/ST or OBC other than general.
Annual Family Income: Gross yearly family income must be below ₹8 Lakhs, including earnings from all sources such as agriculture, business, and salary.
Agricultural Land: Your family’s total agricultural land should be less than five acres.
Residential Property: Your family needs a residential flat within one thousand square feet or less or a residential plot of at least one hundred square yards if it’s in notified municipalities but two hundred square yards if it’s in non-notified ones.

Application Process

Interested and eligible individuals can apply for the EWS Certificate through online and offline platforms as per their choice and convenience.

Online Procedure

Step 1: Visit the state’s official website.
Step 2: Navigate the portal for the EWS Certificate.
Step 3: Register using your details like name, email, and phone number.
Step 4: Click on the ‘EWS Certificate’ option.
Step 5: Fill in the application form with your details and upload the supporting documents.
Step 6: Apply and note the reference number for future reference.

Offline Procedure

Step 1: Visit the nearest office of the Tehsildar.
Step 2: Request for an EWS Certificate application form.
Step 3: Fill in the application form with your details and attach the supporting documents.
Step 4: Apply and note the reference number for future reference.

Documents Requirement

To apply for an EWS Certificate, you must submit the necessary documents to prove your identity, income, and property details. Having these ready ensures a smooth application process.

Stamp-size photo.
Aadhaar card or other identity proofs (like PAN card, Voter ID, etc.).
Land/property papers.
Self-attested affidavit/Self-declaration.
Residential proof/Domicile Certificate.
Income and Asset Certificate.

Who Can Issue The EWS Certificate?

The following government authorities can issue the EWS Certificate:

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.
Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the candidate and his/her family normally reside.

Difference Between EWS and OBC Certificate

Component	EWS Certificate	OBC Certificate
Objective	Provides benefits to people from the economically weaker sections	Provides benefits to people from the Other Backward Classes
Benefits	10% reservation in educational institutions and Sarkari Naukri, fee concessions, etc.	27% reservation in educational institutions and govt jobs for non-creamy layer OBC, etc.
Eligibility	Individuals from any category with an annual income of less than Rs. 8 lakh	Individuals from the OBC category who don’t fall under the creamy layer
Reservation	10% reservation in educational institutions and govt. jobs	27% reservation in educational institutions and govt. jobs
Verification process	Based on income	Based on income and social status.
Validity	Usually for a year	Valid until there are changes.

Validity Of The EWS Certificate

The validity of the EWS Certificate is typically one year from the date of issuance. It is important to check the validity before using the certificate for official purposes.

Conclusion

For those who qualify under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation, getting an EWS certificate is mandatory. After meeting all eligibility conditions as stated above, follow the steps to successfully apply for and obtain a certificate.

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