Reservation in UPSC 2024, Eligibility for SC, ST, OBC, EWS

PWOnlyIAS May 28, 2024 06:38 3603 0

Reservation in UPSC 2024 is announced by the government during notification. The details of eligibility, provisions etc are provided here!

Reservation in UPSC 2024, Eligibility for SC, ST, OBC, EWS

Reservation in UPSC provides an opportunity for candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds to realise their dreams of becoming civil servants. The policy of reservation in UPSC is considered a positive form of unequal treatment provided by the state.

Reservation in UPSC earmarks a certain number of seats for candidates from groups such as SC. ST, OBC, EWS etc. The basic goal of reservation is to build an equitable society and also provide wider representation in civil service.

Here, we will look at reservation in UPSC 2024 and how candidates can apply for it. Read on to know more!

Reservation in UPSC Overview

Candidates belonging to certain notified groups are eligible for reservation in UPSC. The reservation percentage has been determined by the government based on the recommendations of expert committees.

Currently, reservation in UPSC is provided to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and EWS candidates. Candidates applying under these categories will have their own benchmark for determining the cutoff marks. The detailed breakdown of reservation in UPSC is given below.

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UPSC Reservation Breakdown
Category Weightage
Other Backward Classes (OBC)  27%
Schedule Caste (SC) 15%
Schedule Tribes (ST) 7.5%
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)  10%
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) 4%

Reservation in UPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024

A candidate has to fulfill certain criteria for being eligible for reservation in UPSC 2024. These criteria are notified by the government during notification. The eligibility criteria for reservation in UPSC 2024 is as below.

  • Notified Community: The candidate belonging to a particular community must assure that his/her community is added to the UPSC reservation list and published by the Central Government in the official gazette.
  • Possession of Valid Caste Certificate: Applying under the reservation category cannot be fulfilled without the possession of a valid caste certificate indicating the caste of the candidate.
  • Income Certificate: Candidates applying under EWS must possess an income certificate saying their income is less than the ceiling amount set by the government.
  • Non-creamy Layer: Candidates belonging to OBC category must produce a certificate saying they do not belong to the creamy layer.

Applying for Reservation in UPSC 2024

Eligible candidates applying for reservation in UPSC 2024 will need to keep certain things in mind before applying. The process for filling out the form for reservations in UPSC 2024 is as follows.

  • During filling of the form, a candidate will be directed to select the category under which they are applying. They must select their category.
  • A candidate will need to upload the original documents while filling out the DAF-1 form. Hence, having a certificate is of utmost importance.
  • Once applied to a particular category, it cannot be changed under any circumstances. 
  • Candidates belonging to the general category cannot apply under any other category after submitting the form.

Reservation in UPSC for OBC

Based on expert recommendations, the government has earmarked 27% seats for OBC groups through reservation in UPSC 2024. The details of provision for OBC are given below.

UPSC Reservation for OBC
Criteria Provision
Age Limit Minimum: 21 years

Maximum: 35 years 

Maximum Age Relaxation 3 years
Number of Attempts 9
Application Fees ₹100 for male candidates

Reservation in UPSC for SC/ST

The SC and ST groups are eligible for 15% and 7.5% reservation in UPSC 2024 respectively. The detailed provision for SC/ST candidates are given here. 

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UPSC Reservation for SC/ST
Criteria Provision
Age Limit Minimum: 21 years

Maximum: 37 years 

Maximum Age Relaxation 5 years
Number of Attempts Unlimited
Application Fees None

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus 2024

Reservation in UPSC for EWS

The reservation in UPSC for EWS candidates was announced as a result of the 103rd Constitution Amendment Act 2019. Candidates belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the general category can avail the benefits. The details of eligibility and provision for EWS are provided below.

Eligibility Criteria for EWS Reservation in UPSC

Reservation Percentage 10%
Caste Eligibility Must not belong to OBC, SC/ST
Annual Income Criteria Less than ₹8 lakh/year
Agricultural Land Ownership The family members (parents, siblings, and spouses) do not own agricultural land with a size of 5 acres or more.
Residence Criteria The family members of the candidate do not own 1000 square feet or a larger residential apartment.
Residential Plot Ownership The family members of the candidate do not own a plot/home in the notified municipalities with an area of 100 square yards or more or less than 200 square yards.

UPSC Reservation for EWS
Criteria Provision
Age Limit Minimum: 21 years

Maximum: 32 years 

Upper Age Relaxation No
Number of Attempts 06
Attempts Relaxation  No
Application Fees Rs. 100/- (Male Candidates)

Reservation in UPSC for PwBD

Candidates belonging to PwBD are eligible for a 4% reservation in UPSC 2024. To be eligible for a reservation, a candidate must fulfil the following criteria:

  • Candidates must be at least 40% disabled to be eligible for reservations.
  • Candidates are required to submit a valid disability certificate issued by a central or State constituted medical board.

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A PwBD candidate also receives special treatment in the form of a scribe, extra time, etc. to give them an equal opportunity.

UPSC Reservation for PwBD
Criteria Provision
Age Limit Minimum: 21 years

Maximum: 42 years 

Maximum Age Relaxation 10 years
Number of Attempts GM/EWS/OBC – 09 

SC/ST – Unlimited 

Application Fees None

Also Read: UPSC Eligibility 2024

Cutoff based on Reservation in UPSC for 2024

The cutoff marks for candidates vary depending on the reservation in UPSC 2024. the cutoff marks vary for all three stages of UPSC: prelims, mains and final list. The cutoff marks for UPSC 2023 is as follows.

UPSC Cut off 2023

Category Prelims Cut Off Mains Cut Off Final Cut Off
General  75.41  741 953 
EWS  68.02  706  923 
OBC  74.75 712  919 
SC  59.25  694  890 
ST  47.82  692  891 
PwBD 1  40.40  673  894 
PwBD 2  47.13  718  930 
PwBD 3  40.40  396  756 
PwBD 5 33.68 445 589

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NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

Reservation in UPSC FAQs

SC and ST groups have a reservation of 15% and 7.5% respectively for UPSC.

OBC reservation in UPSC is capped at 27% of total seats.

No. A candidate must not belong to any reserved groups to be eligible to apply under EWS.

No. There is no separate reservation for religious minorities. They are eligible to apply under the EWS category.

No. Candidates must not be part of creamy layer to be eligible for OBC reservation.
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