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Apply online for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate

Karan Ghongade May 10, 2025 0

“Apply Online for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate”

Part 1: Introduction

The Government of India introduced the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019. This reservation provides 10% quota in government jobs and educational institutions for individuals from the general category who do not fall under SC/ST/OBC and belong to economically weaker families.

To avail this reservation benefit, eligible individuals must obtain an EWS Certificate. This document certifies the applicant’s income and economic status.

Part 2: What is EWS Certificate?

The EWS Certificate is an income and asset certificate issued to citizens belonging to the Economically Weaker Section under the General category. It is a non-creamy layer certificate different from OBC or caste certificates and is strictly based on economic parameters, not caste or religion.

Part 3: Eligibility Criteria for EWS Certificate

To be eligible for an EWS certificate, the applicant must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Income Limit

  • Family’s gross annual income must be less than Rs. 8 lakh.

  • Income includes salary, agriculture, business, and profession from all family members.

2. Asset Limit

  • The applicant should NOT own any of the following:

    • Agricultural land >= 5 acres

    • Residential flat >= 1000 sq. ft.

    • Residential plot:

      • >= 100 sq. yards in notified municipalities

      • >= 200 sq. yards in non-notified areas

3. Category Criteria

  • Must belong to the General category

  • Not eligible under SC/ST/OBC reservations

4. Family Definition

Includes self, parents, siblings (under 18), and spouse & children (below 18).

Part 4: Benefits of EWS Certificate

  • 10% reservation in Central Government jobs and educational institutions

  • Reserved seats in IITs, NITs, IIMs, NEET, UPSC

  • Preference in some state government recruitments

  • Reduced competition in the general category

Part 5: Documents Required for EWS Certificate

Here is a list of commonly required documents:

1. Identity Proof

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Voter ID

  • PAN Card

2. Address Proof

  • Ration Card

  • Electricity Bill

  • Passport

  • Driving License

3. Income Proof

  • Income Certificate issued by Tahsildar/Revenue Officer

  • Salary slips

  • ITR (Income Tax Return)

4. Property Documents

  • Land ownership records

  • Property tax receipts

  • Registry or sale deed

5. Passport Size Photograph

6. Affidavit or Self Declaration

  • Stating that applicant belongs to General Category and meets EWS criteria

Part 6: How to Apply for EWS Certificate Online

The application process may vary by state, but the general process is similar across India.

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Visit Official Website

Go to your respective state government’s official e-district portal or revenue department website.

For example:

Step 2: Register/Login

  • Create an account with Aadhaar number and mobile OTP

  • Login to access the application dashboard

Step 3: Select ‘Apply for EWS Certificate’

  • Choose "Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate" from the list of services

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Provide the following:

  • Personal details

  • Family income

  • Assets and property details

  • Upload all documents

Step 5: Submit and Pay Fees

  • Submit the form online

  • Pay nominal processing fee (if applicable, usually Rs. 10–50)

Step 6: Acknowledgment Receipt

Download/print acknowledgment for tracking

Step 7: Verification by Officer

  • Application is forwarded to Tehsildar or Revenue Officer

  • Field verification may be conducted

Step 8: Certificate Issuance

  • If all details are valid, certificate is issued digitally

  • Can be downloaded from the same portal

Part 7: How to Apply for EWS Certificate Offline

If online service is not available, you can apply offline.

Step-by-Step Offline Process:

  1. Visit the nearest Tehsildar office / SDM office / Revenue Office

  2. Collect EWS Application Form (or download it from state portal)

  3. Fill the form with all details

  4. Attach required documents and passport-size photo

  5. Submit at the counter

  6. Collect acknowledgment slip

  7. Wait for verification

  8. Receive certificate (usually within 14–21 working days)

Part 8: Format of EWS Certificate

The EWS certificate typically includes:

  • Applicant’s name and address

  • Income and asset details

  • Declaration that the individual is eligible under EWS

  • Certificate number

  • Date of issue and validity

  • Official signature and stamp

Part 9: Validity of EWS Certificate

  • Generally valid for 1 year from the date of issue

  • Must be renewed every year if required

  • Used only for one academic session or recruitment cycle

Part 10: State-wise EWS Certificate Online Application Links

State Online Portal Link
Delhi e-District Click here
Maharashtra Aaple Sarkar Click here
UP eDistrict UP Click here
Bihar RTPS Bihar Click here
MP MP Online Click here
Rajasthan SSO Rajasthan Click here
Gujarat Digital Gujarat Click here
Tamil Nadu TNeGA Click here
Karnataka Nadakacheri Click here
Telangana Meeseva Click here

Part 11: Common Reasons for Rejection of EWS Certificate

  • Incomplete documents

  • Property ownership exceeds limit

  • Belonging to SC/ST/OBC

  • Wrong or fake information

  • Income above Rs. 8 lakh

Part 12: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can SC/ST/OBC apply for EWS?

No, EWS is only for General category individuals.

Q2: What is the processing time for EWS Certificate?

Usually takes 10 to 21 working days, depending on state.

Q3: Is EWS applicable in private sector jobs?

No, it is applicable only in government jobs and institutions.

Q4: Can I use the same EWS Certificate for multiple exams?

Yes, within its validity period.

Q5: Is there any renewal process?

You must apply again every year if required.

Part 13: Difference Between EWS and Income Certificate

Parameter EWS Certificate Income Certificate
Purpose Reservation in jobs/education General income verification
Includes Assets Yes No
Category Specific Yes (General only) No
Validity 1 year 6 months to 1 year
Issued by Tehsildar/SDM Same

Part 14: Central vs State EWS Certificate

  • Central EWS is valid for all national-level exams (UPSC, NEET, JEE, etc.)

  • State EWS may be required for state-level recruitment/education

Always check whether the issuing authority is competent for your specific use.

Part 15: How to Track EWS Application Status

  1. Visit the official portal where you applied

  2. Login using your credentials

  3. Click on “Track Application Status”

  4. Enter acknowledgment number

  5. View status – under process / approved / rejected

Part 16: Tips for Smooth Application

  • Check state-specific formats and rules

  • Prepare documents beforehand

  • Do not give false information

  • Keep copies of acknowledgment and certificate

  • Apply early, especially during exam seasons

Part 17: Appeal and Correction Process

If your EWS application is rejected, you can:

  • File a grievance on the state portal

  • Visit the issuing office and request manual verification

  • Submit missing/updated documents

  • Reapply afresh with corrected information

Part 18: Legal Provisions and Notifications

The EWS quota is implemented under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which added Articles 15(6) and 16(6) to the Constitution.

This allows the State to provide reservation of up to 10% to economically weaker individuals from the general category.

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the EWS reservation in 2022, confirming that it does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.

Part 19: Important Points to Remember

  • EWS is not caste-based

  • Only General category people are eligible

  • Income and asset limits must be strictly followed

  • Certificate must be renewed if used across years

  • Apply early to avoid last-minute issues

Part 20: Conclusion

The EWS Certificate is a powerful document enabling economically backward individuals from the general category to compete more equitably in educational and employment sectors. With digital initiatives by state governments, the application process has become faster and more transparent.

Make sure to verify your eligibility, prepare your documents properly, and follow the correct process to obtain your EWS Certificate without hassle.

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