EWS Admissions: All you Need to Know

The economically weaker section (EWS) is a sector of Indian society that is unreserved and has an annual family income of less than 8 lakh rupees. This group covers those who do not fall within the ST/SC/OBC caste categories and do not already benefit from reservation.

The Indian government implemented a 10% reservation for those who do not fall into the ST/SC/OBC categories but fall into the unreserved category and meet the economically weaker segment criteria.

Candidates qualified for the economically weaker section reserve are from the general category and can now enjoy a 10% reservation provided they meet the criteria.According to IHDS 2012 estimates, the entire forward caste population falls under the 10% limit, with the exception of only 2.28% of forward castes earning more than '8 lakh. This includes 6.9 million houses (1.2 million brahmins, 5.37 million other advanced castes, and 0.37 million others) and 32.3 million people. (5.9 crore brahmins, 24.9 crore other forward castes, and 1.5 crore from others). In 2012, the general category population accounted for approximately 27.3% of India's total estimated (121 crore) population. If one extrapolates the existing population level, the size of the people/households would be slightly larger.

In this article, we attempt to clarify the eligibility criteria, documents required, validity of the certificate, and other commonly asked questions related to the Economically Weaker Sections category.

Eligibility for EWS certificate
 

-    Should not be covered under the scheme of - SC/ST/OBC
 

-   Should have an annual family income of fewer than 8 lakhs including all sources of income - salary, agriculture, land, business, profession, etc.

-       The term “Family” includes the person, his/her parents, and siblings below the age of 18 years and his/her spouse and children below 18 years.

-      Should not have the following assets:

• 1.5 acres of agricultural land
• Residential area of below 1000 sq. ft. 
• Residential plot of 100 sq. and 200 sq. yards according to different state norms.
   

-      The property held by the family in different locations would all be clubbed during the determination of eligibility.

Also read: How to apply for school admissions

EWS Certificate Document requirements

• Aadhaar Card   
• ID Proof  
• Pan card
• BPL card
• Caste certificate
• Income certificate
• Affidavit/Self Declaration
• Land/property documents
• Residential proof/Domicile Certificate    
• Passport-sized photograph      

Validity of EWS certificate

The EWS certificate is considered valid for one year from the date it has been made. 

Listed here are some common FAQs regarding the EWS category school admissions:

What are the steps to fill the admission form under the EWS/DG category for Private Unaided Schools of Delhi? (EWS admissions in Delhi)
 

-      Click the link EWS/DG admissions available at www.edudel.nic.in

-      Register and fill out the application form.

-      Take a printout.

-      Soon a date will be announced.

Schools where online admission of EWS/DG category can be sought?

According to Delhi School Education Act & Rules, 1973 and private unaided provisionally recognized under RTE ACT, 2009, all private unaided schools of Delhi, recognized by the EDUCATION DEPARTMENT are eligible for admission.

EWS/DG admissions for which classes can be sought online?
 

It's eligible for all entry-level classes i.e. Nursery/Pre-School, KG/Pre-primary, and Class-I.

What percentage of seats under the EWS category are available in a school?

25% of total seats at every entry-level class of the school.

Can a  candidate of the EWS category also apply under General seats?
 

Yes.

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