What is the EWS Certificate? Application Process & Eligibility Criteria

byPriyanka JuyalNovember 25, 2024
Government Business Loans
Key Takeaways:
  • EWS certificate provides 10% reservation in education and jobs for economically weaker sections.
  • Eligibility includes a family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs and specific property limits.
  • Benefits extend to university admissions and government subsidies.
  • Applications for EWS certificates can be made online or offline through state-specific procedures.
  • Required documents include Aadhaar, PAN card, and proof of income and property

The full form of EWS is economically weaker sections. The Indian constitution provides a EWS reservation to the people who fall under EWS category such as 10% reservation in education and job opportunities. To avail these EWS reservations, the government of India requires some information and documents of the people, hence, the government launched a EWS certificate.

Let’s understand the eligibility, benefits and documents required and how to apply for an EWS certificate.

What is an EWS Certificate?

EWS certificate refers to an income and asset certificate that is issued to citizens in India who fall under the economically weaker section of the society. This certificate allows citizens 10% EWS reservation in education and government jobs. If someone falls under EWS category, they shall not be eligible for any other caste reservation such as SC, ST, OBC.  

What Is The EWS Eligibility Criteria?

Below are a few points that indicate the EWS eligibility criteria for certificate:

  • The applicant should only belong to the general category.
  • Applicant’s total family income should be less than Rs. 8 Lakhs.
  • The applicant should not have agricultural land of more than 5 acres. 
  • The applicant’s family’s residential plot should not be of more than 100 square yards.
  • If the applicant owns any residential property in the nn-notified municipality sectors, that plot should be below 240 square yards.
  • Any plot owned in the notified municipality sectors should be less than 100 square yards.

What are the Benefits of EWS Certificate?

The EWS certificate has several benefits including:

  • This certificate allows 10% of EWS reservation in jobs to citizens who belong to the general category but have a financially weak background.
  • All major UGC universities also allow 10% EWS reservation for EWS certificate holders.
  • EWS certificate also allows several state and central government subsidy schemes. 

How and Where to Apply for an EWS Certificate?

Citizens can apply for EWS Certificate on the official website of their state government. Every state has their own official website, depending on your state website, the steps to apply for an EWS certificate may differ. Below are fundamental steps one needs to follow to apply for an EWS Certificate.

Online process:

Step 1: Visit the official website of your state and login to your account.

Step 2: Look for application forms and select ‘Issuance of Income and Assets Certificate for Economically Weaker Section(EWS)’ form.

Step 3: Fill the application form with your information as asked and attach all the required documents.

Step 4: Make a payment for the application fee and submit your application. 

    Offline process: 

    Step 1: Visit the office of the revenue department or the issuing authority in your state.

    Step 2: Request for the application form and fill it with your information.

    Step 3: Attach a copy of all the asked documents.

    Step 4: Make a payment for the application fee and submit your application.

      Documents You Need to Apply for EWS Certificate

      Here is a list of all the documents you may need while applying for an EWS Certificate:

      • Aadhaar card
      • PAN card
      • Passport-size photo
      • Proof of identification
      • Income certificate
      • Caste certificate
      • Bank statement
      • Proof of property or land
      • Domicile certificate or residential proof
      • Self-declaration or affidavit

      How to Check the Status of Your EWS Certificate Application?

      To check the status of your EWS certificate online, go to the official website of your state’s revenue department or the issuing authority. 

      • If you already have an account, just log in with your details. 
      • If you’re a new user, you’ll need to register first. 
      • After logging in, enter your application details to view the status.

      The EWS certificate is vital for securing educational and employment reservations for those in financially weaker sections of society. By understanding the  EWS eligibility criteria and application process, individuals can effectively apply for and benefit from this certificate.

      FAQs

      Who comes under the EWS category?

      Any Indian citizen who is from the general category and their family income below Rs. 8 Lakhs falls under EWS category. The Indian government has also stated specific property limits for EWS certificate applicants.

      What is the validity of the EWS certificate?

      The EWS Certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. In some states the validity may only be 6 months from the date. The validity of the certificate depends on your state.

      Are there two types of EWS certificate?

      There is only one type of EWS certificate. Applicants can find the certificate on the official website of their state or you can also visit the revenue department or the issuing authority in your state.

      Who will issue the EWS certificate?

      The revenue department or state office of your state issues an EWS certificate. You can fill the form online or offline, as per your convenience.

      Who comes under family income?

      All family members living together contribute to the total family income. Their combined earnings are considered as the family income.

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