The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a central agency that plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process for various governmental positions in India. One of the critical aspects of UPSC examinations is the reservation system, which aims to provide equal opportunities to marginalized communities. Among these, the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is a category that has gained significant attention in recent years. This article offers an in-depth guide on how the UPSC verifies EWS certificates, a critical document for candidates applying under this category.
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) is a category that was introduced through the 103rd Constitution (Amendment) Act, 2019. This amendment provides a 10% reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for individuals who do not fall under any other reserved categories like Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).
Income Criterion: To qualify for the EWS category, the annual gross income of the family should be below Rs. 8 Lakhs. This income includes all sources, such as agriculture, business, and salary.
Property Ownership: The family should not own more than 5 acres of agricultural land. Additionally, the family should not own a residential flat that exceeds 1000 square feet or a residential plot that exceeds 100 square yards in notified municipalities.
The primary objective behind the introduction of the EWS reservation was to extend the benefits of reservation to those sections of society that are economically disadvantaged but do not qualify for any other types of reservation. The EWS reservation aims to uplift those who fall into the lowest socioeconomic bracket, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all.
The UPSC usually conducts the verification of the EWS certificate at the time of the interview. It is crucial for candidates to have their EWS certificates verified before appearing for the UPSC interview. This pre-verification helps in avoiding any complications that could arise due to discrepancies in the EWS certificate.
The issuance of an EWS certificate is a critical step and is carried out by specific competent authorities. These include:
It’s essential to ensure that the EWS certificate is obtained from one of these authorized officials to avoid any issues during the UPSC verification process.
When it comes to the UPSC EWS certificate verification, candidates need to be prepared with a set of specific documents. These include:
By ensuring that all these documents are in place, candidates can smooth out the verification process, thereby increasing their chances of successfully clearing the UPSC examination under the EWS category.
The UPSC EWS certificate verification process is a meticulous one, designed to ensure that only genuinely eligible candidates benefit from the EWS quota. Here’s how it generally unfolds:
Final Approval: After successful verification, the EWS status is approved, allowing the candidate to avail the benefits of the EWS quota in the UPSC exams.
The time taken for the verification process can vary but usually takes up to a few weeks. It’s advisable to get the certificate verified well in advance of the UPSC interview date to avoid any last-minute issues.
If any discrepancies are found during the verification process, the candidate may face severe consequences, including disqualification from the UPSC exam and legal actions.
The validity of an EWS certificate is generally for one year but can vary depending on the issuing authority.
No, the EWS status cannot be updated once the UPSC application is submitted. Therefore, it’s crucial to get your EWS certificate verified before applying.
If your EWS certificate is found to be fake or incorrect, you could face disqualification from the UPSC exam and may also be subject to legal penalties.
Understanding how UPSC verifies EWS certificates is crucial for candidates applying under this category. From knowing the authorized issuing authorities to understanding the verification process and being aware of common mistakes, every aspect is vital for a smooth UPSC application process.