EWS Certificate Apply: Eligibility, Documents & State-wise Process

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate is an important document introduced by the Government of India that provides 10% reservation in education and government jobs to persons belonging to the General (Unreserved) category who fall under specific income and asset limits. If you do not fall under SC/ST/OBC category but come from an economically weaker background, EWS certificate can help you to access benefits of education, jobs and government schemes that were not available to you earlier.

I this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about EWS and the step-by-step process to applying for an EWS certificate.

What is an EWS Certificate?

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate is a government-issued document that provides reservation benefits (10%) in education and public sector jobs to general category families with limited income and assets. Introduced through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment under Article 15(6) and 16(6), this certificate ensures that persons belonging to the EWS category are not overlooked in merit-based regimes.

Who Can Apply EWS Certificate?

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate is issued to persons belonging to General (Unreserved) category who meet specific income and asset criteria. EWS is a new reservation sub-category under the General category, which enables them to get 10% reservation quota in education and government jobs.

To apply, you must not belong to SC/ST/OBC categories and must fulfil all the eligibility conditions mentioned below in the eligibility section.

Why You Should Apply for an EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate provides the benefit of economic reservation to eligible individuals from the General (Unreserved) category, helping them access government schemes and opportunities that were previously reserved only for SC/ST/OBC communities. Here’s why applying for an EWS certificate is highly recommended:

Access to Reserved Government Jobs

Central and state governments reserve 10% of Group A, B, C, and D posts for EWS category candidates. This significantly improves job prospects in competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL & CHSL, State PSCs, Railways and Bank recruitments.

Reservation in Educational Institutions

Prestigious institutes like IITs, IIMs, NITs, Central Universities and Professional colleges and Public Universities reserve 10% of their seats for EWS candidates, giving you a better chance of getting admission even with slightly lower marks.

Eligibility for Scholarships and Welfare Schemes

There are also several governments -sponsored scholarships, housing schemes, and subsidy programs available for EWS certificate holders. Such as –

• Post-Matric scholarships
• Fee concessions for coaching institutes
• Economically targeted welfare schemes

Eligibility Criteria for EWS Certificate (As per Central Guidelines)

To apply for an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate, the Government of India has laid down certain eligibility conditions. These are outlined under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, and are followed uniformly by central government departments.

However, each state or union territory may have slight variations, especially in document formats, verification methods, or income proof requirements.

Central Government EWS Eligibility Criteria

1. Income Limit:
   • The gross annual income of the family must be less than ₹8 lakh.
   • “Family” includes the applicant, parents, spouse, and dependent children.
   • Income sources considered: salary, business, agriculture, rent and any other.
2. Asset Ownership Limit: The applicant’s family should not own any of the following -
   • Agriculture land of 5 acres or more.
   • Residential flat of 1,000 sq. ft. or more.
   • Residential plot of 100 sq. yards or more in notified municipalities and 200 sq. yards or more in non-notified rural areas.
3. Social Category Condition:
   • Must belong to the General (Unreserved) Category.
   • Should not be covered under SC, ST or OBC reservations.

State-Wise EWS Eligibility Criteria

While the central EWS eligibility guidelines are widely followed, some states or unio territories may have slight differences on –

• Income limit interpretation or proof
• Required documents (land, income, ID)
• Local verification process
• Application procedure (Online vs offline) Before applying, always verify the current EWS eligibility rules and application process from the official state government portal or consult the Tehsildar/SDM/designated issuing officer in your area.

RELATED GUIDE: Learn How to File an RTI Request

What Documents Required for EWS Certificate?

Here is a typical document checklist you will need to apply –

• Proof of Identity – Aadhar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport
• Address Proof – Aadhar, utility bills, domicile certificate
• Income proof – Salary slip, income certificate, IT return
• Asset proof – Land records, property tax receipts
• Passport-size photo – Recent and colour
• Declaration/Affidavit – Self-statement of category and eligibility

How to Apply EWS Certificate: Online vs Offline

1. Online Application Steps
   • Go to your State Revenue/E-District/Meeseva portal.
   • Register or log in.
   • Navigate to “Issue of Income & Asset Certificate for EWS.”
   • Upload scanned documents and filled form.
   • Pay the application fee (usually ₹10–50). Some states waive it for BPL applicant.
   • Submit and download the receipt or reference number.
   • Track status online; you will receive an intimation by SMS/email once approved.
2. Offline Application Steps
   • Download the relevant EWS form or collect it from local revenue office/Meeseva.
   • Fill in all details; attach required documents.
   • Submit with fee at the designated office (DM, Tehsildar).
   • Get an acknowledgment slip.
   • You may receive your certificate in 7-30 days.
   • Check the status by visiting the office or using state portals.

State Wise EWS Online Portal Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EWS

1. How long is the EWS certificate valid?
   • Valid for 1 year, though some states limit it to 6 months.
2. Can OBC or SC/ST apply EWS Certificate?
   • No. Only general category applicants qualify under EWS.
3. Can EWS Certificate be renewed?
   • Yes, reapply annually with updated income/assets proof.
4. Lost EWS Certificate – how to get a duplicate?
   • Visit the issuing office or portal, request duplicate with ID proof

Final Thoughts

Applying for an EWS certificate opens up avenues for educational and job reservations, and can reduce competition significantly for general category applicants. Whether you are keen on a government job, scholarship or state benefits, a valid EWS certificate is your key. Follow the process, check your documents carefully to make your application smooth and successful.