How To Apply For EWS Certificate?

 

The process of applying for EWS certificate is slightly different for each state, although the eligibility criteria and documents required are largely the same

EWS, short for Economically Weaker Section, is a type of reservation category meant to benefit people who may not be covered under other reservation schemes. For example, EWS includes individuals who may not belong to SC/ST/OBC or other groups defined at the state level. The EWS reservation system was approved in January 2019. It was opposed by many groups, but the Supreme Court upheld its validity in 2022.

How to apply for EWS certificate – Eligibility criteria

Anyone who wants to apply for EWS certificate will have to fulfill the eligibility criteria. This is largely the same across most states. However, actual implementation may be slightly different for each state. Let us take a look at the eligibility criteria for applying for EWS certificate.

• The overall income / family income of the applicant should be less than 8 lakhs per annum.
• If the applicant owns agricultural land, it should not be more than 5 acres.
• If the applicant owns a residential flat, it should have an area less than 1,000 sq. ft.
• In case of residential plot in a notified municipality sector, the area should be less than 100 square yards.
• In case of residential plot in a non-notified municipality sector, the area should be less than 200 square yards.

Most states follow the same EWS eligibility criteria, as defined by the central government. These states include Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Goa and Karnataka. Some states have changed the rules slightly. For example, Maharashtra government has included the Maratha Community as a beneficiary under EWS reservation. Similarly, Kerala has made some changes to the eligibility criteria. It includes income of less than 4 lakh per annum.

How to apply for EWS certificate?

Depending on the state, both online and offline options may be available for applying for EWS certificate. For most states, you can visit the revenue department's official website. Some states may also have provision for a dedicated district portal. You need to search for EWS certificate or Income certificate for EWS. Once you have the form, you can fill it and submit it online. Depending on the state, you may have to pay an application fee.

In case of offline mode, you have to visit the revenue department office or the district office. You need to ask for EWS application form, fill it and submit it. Depending on the state, it may take around 3 weeks to process your EWS certificate application. Once approved, you can download the EWS certificate from the revenue department portal or district portal.

Along with the form, you will also be required to submit various documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID card, income certificate of earning members of the family and bank account statement. Other documents that may be needed include asset declaration documents (example - property ownership records, land deals, etc.), domicile certificate and educational certificates. A passport size photograph will also be needed.

What are benefits of EWS certificate?

Once you get your EWS certificate, you can access a range of benefits. For example, you can get 10% reservation in government jobs. You can also get reservation in premier educational institutions such as IITs and IIMs. You can also apply for various scholarships and loans made available by the government. Furthermore, an EWS certificate makes you eligible for government housing schemes.