What is the Full Form of EWS?

 Full form of EWS – Economically Weaker Sections, a reservation category in India designed to provide social and educational benefits to economically disadvantaged individuals who do not fall under any other reserved category. Learn about its history, eligibility criteria, documents required, and benefits.

 

EWS Full Form

The full form of EWS is the Economically Weaker Section. 

E = Economically 

W = Weaker 

S = Section

The EWS category belongs to the General Category and has an annual family income of less than Rs. 8 lakhs. EWS certificate is like an income certificate; one should not confuse it with the caste certificate. 

An individual in the EWS category is entitled to a 10% reservation in civil posts and services recruitment with the Government of India.

History of EWS Reservation in India

Eligibility Criteria to Get an EWS Certificate

• Individuals not covered under the reservation scheme for SCs, STs and OBCs.
• The family has a gross annual income below Rs. 8 lakh (Rupees eight lakh only).
• They should not belong to other reserved categories such as SC, ST, or OBC.

Income shall also include income from all sources, i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc., for the financial year before the year of application. 

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Exclusions from EWS

Individuals whose family owns or possesses the following assets are excluded from being identified as EWS, irrespective of the family income:- 

• 5 acres of agricultural land and above.
• Residential plot of 1000 sq ft. and above.
• A Residential plot of 100 sq. yards and above in any municipality.
• Residential plots of 200 sq ft.

The property held by a “Family” in different places/cities would be clubbed while applying for the land or property holding test to determine EWS status. 

Documents Required to Avail an EWS Certificate 

1. Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or any other government-issued identity card.
2. Residential Proof: Documents like an Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Telephone Bill, Gas Connection Bill, or a Passbook of a bank account.
3. Passport-sized Photographs: 2 passport-sized photographs.
4. Affidavit/Self Declaration: A self-declaration or affidavit stating that the individual belongs to the EWS category. You can get the format for this self-declaration from the issuing authority’s office or website.
5. Income Proof: Salary Slip, Income Tax Return (ITR), or a declaration from a recognized authority stating that the individual’s family income is below Rs. 8 lakhs per annum).
6. Land/Property Documents: If applicable, documents related to land or property owned by the family.  
7. Other Documents: Depending on the state and the issuing authority, you may need to present some other documents. Please check before proceeding.

Benefits of EWS Certificate 

Some benefits of having an EWS certificate are –

• EWS candidates are eligible for a 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions, such as IITs, IIMs, and NITs.
• The EWS certificate holders can also benefit from various government housing schemes.
• EWS candidates are eligible for several government schemes and benefits, such as scholarships, loans, and housing schemes.  
• The EWS certificate can also help people avail themselves of benefits under various other government schemes aimed at economically weaker sections of society.

Income And Asset Certificate Issuing Authority 

Listed are the authorities who can issue Income and Asset Certificates for those willing to avail of the EWS benefits –

• DM/Additional DM/ SDM/Collector
• Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner
• 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate
• Taluka/Executive Magistrate
• Extra Assistant Commissioner
• Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/Presidency Magistrate
• Revenue Officer 
• Sub-Divisional Officer of the specified area

How to Apply Online for the EWS Certificate

Here are the steps to apply for an EWS certificate online:

1. Prepare a Scanned Photograph: Ensure you have a scanned photograph to upload during the online application process.
2. Fill out the Application Form: Complete the details on Page I, Page II, Page III, and Page IV of the application form.
3. Submit the Application: After completing the form, submit your application online.
4. Download Documents: Once submitted, download the autogenerated application form, acknowledgement slip, and income & assets details.
5. No Document Upload Needed: No documents are required to be uploaded for the EWS certificate application.

Important Note: The certificate is issued free of charge.

Below is the application flow of EWS certificate processing -

Conclusion

Now you know the full form of EWS. The EWS reservation has been integrated into the admission processes of educational institutions and recruitment processes for government jobs. The impact of this reservation is still under observation. However, it has widened the scope of affirmative action (a policy in which a company or a government organization considers a person’s nationality, gender, religion, and caste to extend employment or education opportunities) in India.