EWS Certificate: Who Can Apply and How to Get It

An EWS certificate proves your family qualifies for the 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in government jobs, admissions and some state schemes. The certificate is an Income & Assets certificate issued by designated local/state authorities.

Who can apply (short rule)

You can apply if:

• You belong to the General Category (not SC/ST/OBC)
• Your family's total annual income is ₹8 lakh or less.
• Your family does not own:
  • Agriculture land over 5 acres,
  • A residential flat of 1,000 sq. ft. or more, or
  • A residential plot over 100 sq. yards in a notified municipal area (or 200 sq. yards in a non-notified area).
• Your family includes you, your spouse, parents, and dependent children/siblings.

Who Issues It

The certificate is usually issued by:

• District Magistrate (DM)
• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
• Tehsildar or
• Other officers authorized by your state government

Documents normally required (examples)

• Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID).
• Proof of residence (ration card/voter ID/utility bill).
• Proof of family income (salary slips, income-tax return or employer certificate).
• Property evidence if relevant (land records/registry/khata).
• Recent passport photograph.
• School leaving certificate or proof of relationship when the applicant is a dependent.
• Affidavit or self-declaration if the state portal requires it.

Exact list varies by state; follow the state portal checklist.

Common state portals (examples)

• Delhi: edistrict.delhi.gov.in
• Maharashtra: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
• Tamil Nadu: tnesevai.tn.gov.in
• Karnataka: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
• West Bengal: castcertificatewb.gov.in

Step-by-step: how to apply online (generic)

• Find your state e-district/citizen services portal (or ServicePlus entry).
• Register/log in with mobile + OTP.
• Select "Income & Asset Certificate for EWS / EWS Certificate".
• Fill in personal, family and income details exactly.
• Upload required documents (ID, residence, income proof, photos).
• Submit and note the application number. Track status online.
• If verification/field check is needed, respond to queries from the local officer.
• Download/print the certificate once issued. Many portals show verification barcodes.

Fees and timeline

• Most states do not charge any fee.
• Some charge a small service fee (₹10-₹50).
• Check the fee detail on your state's portal before applying.

Affidavit: when and how

Some states ask for a sworn affidavit confirming your income and assets. It must be signed before a notary or magistrate on non-judicial stamp paper (value varies by state).

Practical tips

• Family definition matters: most states include applicant, spouse, parents, minor children, and dependent siblings. Check local proforma.
• EWS certificates for central posts/admissions must be in the prescribed format (DOPT Annexure). Certificates in other formats may be rejected.
• Keep soft copies of all documents at upload-ready size. Use the same name spelling across forms. Minor mismatches delay issuance.
• If you already have state EWS, check whether the receiving authority wants a state or central-format certificate. Some portals let you choose.
• If applying for education admission on a different state's portal, confirm cross-acceptance rules with the admitting institute.

Important Schemes for EWS

• 10% Reservation in Central Jobs and Colleges - For eligible general-category applicants.
• 10% Quota in NEET and Medical Admissions – Under the All India Quota for MBBS/BDS/PG seats.
• Affordable Housing Schemes – Solar rooftop subsidies, pensions, or education assistance for EWS families (varies by state).

20 FAQs

1. What is the income limit for EWS?

Many states and central practices use ₹8,00,000 per annum as the family income threshold. Confirm your State format.

2. Who counts as "family"?

Usually the applicant, spouse, parents, minor children and dependent siblings. Check the proforma for the exact definition.

3. Which officer issues it?

Collector / DM / SDM / Tehsildar or authorised officer as per state rules. For central posts, only certificates in prescribed formats issued by these authorities are accepted.

4. Can I apply online?

Yes. Most states have e-district/citizen portals. Central ServicePlus lists state services.

5. Is there a fee?

Usually free or nominal. Check the portal's fee details.

6. How long does it take?

Times vary. Many portals give status and issue within days if documents are clear. Expect longer if field verification is needed.

7. Is an affidavit mandatory?

Some states/institutions require a sworn affidavit. Use the format on the state portal if asked.

8. Will my EWS be valid nationwide?

Certificate format matters. Central recruitment/admission accepts certificates in DOPT-prescribed format issued by competent authority. State certificates are generally valid for state purposes.

9. Can a student use parents' income?

Yes. Family income includes all earning members—parents included. Provide family income proof.

10. What assets disqualify me?

States list disqualifying assets (e.g., agricultural land area, residential plot/flat size). Check local proforma.

11. What if my income is close to the limit?

Provide full proof. If disputed, the issuing officer verifies documents and may ask for clarification.

12. Can I get EWS and OBC/SC/ST?

No. EWS is for those not covered under SC/ST/OBC reservations.

13. Can I apply offline?

Yes. Visit your Tehsildar/SDM office and submit the application form and documents.

14. What if my certificate is rejected?

You can appeal to the issuing authority or reapply with corrected documents.

15. Does an EWS certificate expire?

Some certificates include a validity period. For admissions and recruitment, they require the certificate valid on the "crucial date". Check the certificate.

16. Can I apply from a different state?

Generally apply where you normally reside. Different states may have different rules; cross-state acceptance should be confirmed.

17. Are scanned copies accepted?

Yes, for online portals. Keep originals ready for verification if called.

18. Will a ration card alone work?

Ration card helps prove residence/family, but you still need proof of income and any asset proofs as required.

19. Where to get the affidavit format?

State e-district or district administration websites publish sample affidavits (example: Goa, Delhi). Use those formats.

20. Who verifies certificates?

Issuing officer (Tehsildar/SDM) verifies documents; the appointing/admissions authority may verify again at selection time. DOPT rules require competent-authority verification for central purposes.