Reservation in UPSC: SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD Rules

Reservation in UPSC plays an important role in ensuring fair representation of different sections of Indian society in the civil services. The system has been designed to provide equal opportunities to candidates who come from socially, educationally, or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Over the years, the reservation system in civil services has evolved to balance merit with social justice. The Union Public Service Commission follows clear rules and constitutional provisions while implementing reservations. Reservation in UPSC is not limited to seat allocation only. It also includes age relaxation, attempt relaxation, and other examination-related benefits.

Reservation in UPSC Overview

Reservation in UPSC refers to the allocation of a certain proportion of vacancies in the Civil Services Examination for specific categories. These include Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.

The UPSC reservation policy aims to promote inclusive governance and wider participation in administration. Reservation for UPSC is applied uniformly across services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS, as per government guidelines.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

UPSC Reservation Based on Age Limit

UPSC reservation age relaxation is one of the major benefits provided to reserved category candidates. The standard age limit for the Civil Services Examination is the same for all candidates. However, relaxation is allowed for certain categories under UPSC reservation rules.

Reservation in IAS and other civil services allows candidates additional years to appear for the exam. This provision supports candidates who may have faced social or economic challenges.

Age Relaxation Details

• SC/ST: 5 years relaxation.
• OBC: 3 years relaxation.
• PwBD: 10 years relaxation.
• Ex-Serviceman: For Group A and B (UPSC CSE), a maximum of 5 years relaxation is allowed for those with at least 5 years of service. For Group C, they can deduct their military service from their actual age and get an additional 3-year relaxation.

The UPSC reservation criteria clearly state that valid documents must be produced to claim age relaxation. Without proper proof, the benefit is not granted under the UPSC reservation guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria for Reservation Category

To claim reservation in UPSC, candidates must fulfill certain eligibility conditions. These conditions are defined under the UPSC reservation policy and are strictly verified during the selection process. Key eligibility points include:

• The candidate must belong to a category recognized by the Central Government.
• OBC candidates must fall under the non-creamy layer category.
• EWS candidates must meet income and asset conditions.
• PwBD candidates must have a benchmark disability as prescribed.
• All certificates must be valid and issued by competent authorities.

The UPSC reservation criteria ensure transparency and prevent misuse of reservation benefits. Reservation in UPSC is granted only after proper document verification at later stages.

UPSC Reservation for SC ST OBC

UPSC reservation for SC ST OBC forms the foundation of India’s affirmative action framework. These categories have historically faced social disadvantages, and the reservation system aims to improve their representation in governance.

UPSC Reservation for SC

The Union Public Service Commission provides a 15% reservation for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes.

• Age Relaxation: Candidates receive an upper age relaxation of 5 years, allowing them to appear for the exam until they reach 37 years of age.
• Attempt Relaxation: There is no limit on the number of attempts for SC candidates. They can take the examination as many times as they wish until they reach the maximum age limit of 37.
• Fee Exemption: Male and female candidates from the SC category are fully exempted from paying the UPSC application fee.

UPSC Reservation for ST

Scheduled Tribes are provided with a 7.5% reservation in the Civil Services Examination.

• Age Relaxation: Similar to the SC category, ST candidates are granted an upper age relaxation of 5 years, setting their maximum eligibility age at 37 years.
• Attempt Relaxation: ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the prescribed age limit.
• Fee Exemption: All ST candidates are exempt from the application fees for both the Preliminary and Main examinations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

UPSC Reservation for OBC

The UPSC provides a 27% reservation for candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, this benefit is strictly limited to the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL).

• Age Relaxation: OBC (NCL) candidates receive an upper age relaxation of 3 years, making their maximum age limit 35 years.
• Attempt Relaxation: These candidates are permitted a total of 9 attempts to clear the examination, compared to the 6 attempts allowed for the General category.
• Creamy Layer Rule: Candidates belonging to the OBC “Creamy Layer” (those exceeding specific income or parental rank thresholds) are treated as General category candidates. They do not receive reservation, age relaxation, or extra attempts.
• Certification: OBC candidates must produce a valid Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued within the timeline specified in the official UPSC notification.

UPSC Reservation for EWS

The government recently updated the UPSC reservation policy latest update to include the EWS category. The UPSC reservation for EWS provides a 10% quota for the general category poor. Unlike other groups, the UPSC reservation for EWS does not offer age relaxation.

The UPSC reservation for EWS is a significant change in the UPSC reservation policy latest update. It aims to help those with financial difficulties.

Key Points of EWS Reservation

• Applicable only to general category candidates.
• Based on income and asset criteria.
• Reservation is limited to a fixed percentage of vacancies.
• No separate age relaxation under this category.

Reservation for UPSC under EWS reflects the government’s effort to address economic disadvantage within the reservation framework.

Eligibility Criteria for EWS Category Reservation

The UPSC reservation criteria for EWS are based on family income and assets. To get Reservation in UPSC under EWS, family income must be below Rs. 8 lakhs. Also, the family should not own large plots of land or big flats.

These UPSC reservation guidelines are very specific for EWS applicants. Following these UPSC reservation constitutional provisions is necessary to avail the quota.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

UPSC Reservation for PwBD

UPSC classifies disabilities:

• PH 1: Orthopedically Handicapped (OH)
• PH 2: Visually Handicapped (VH)
• PH 3: Hearing Handicapped (HH)

Candidates must have at least 40% disability. They need a disability certificate from a medical board. This ensures UPSC reservation for PwBD.

PwBD Benefits

• Age Relaxation: Up to 10 years.
• Additional Attempts: Up to 9 times, irrespective of category.
• Special Provisions: Scribe, extra time, accessible seating at exam centers.

Ready to boost your UPSC preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

DOWNLOAD PDF