Article 15(6) EWS Eligibility Checklist and Application Process

Imagine preparing for a government exam or applying for admission in a top-tier university. You’ve worked hard, scored well—but competition is intense. Then, you learn about a constitutional provision that could give you a much-needed edge: Article 15(6), the reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).

For many families in India, the EWS quota is more than just a policy. It’s a ray of hope for upward mobility, ensuring that financial background doesn’t block educational or job opportunities. Yet, confusion often surrounds questions like: Am I eligible? What documents do I need? How do I apply for EWS benefits under Article 15(6)?

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Article 15(6) EWS eligibility, checklist, and application process—step by step, in simple, actionable language. Whether you’re a student, parent, or exam aspirant, this is your ultimate guide.

The Bare Text of Article 15(6)

“Nothing in this article or sub-clause (g) of clause (1) of article 19 or clause (2) of article 29 shall prevent the State from making any special provision, including reservation, for the advancement of any economically weaker sections of citizens other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5). Such reservation would be in addition to the existing reservations and subject to a maximum of 10%.”

What is EWS and Why Was It Introduced?

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota was introduced through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019, which inserted Article 15(6) and Article 16(6). Its goal is simple: extend reservation benefits to economically disadvantaged citizens who are not already covered by SC, ST, or OBC categories.

EWS reservation provides 10% quota in higher education and government jobs.
It addresses the gap where General category students from poorer families were previously excluded from affirmative action.

Did you know? According to Ministry of Social Justice reports (2022), nearly 40% of students availing EWS quota were first-generation learners in higher education.

Understanding EWS Eligibility under Article 15(6)

Income Criteria

Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh (from all sources).
Includes income from salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc.

Asset Criteria

Applicants are not eligible if they own:

Residential plot of 200 sq. yards or more in municipalities.
Residential flat of 1000 sq. ft. or more.
Agricultural land of 5 acres or more.

Exclusion Categories

SC, ST, and OBC categories are excluded (since they already benefit from other reservations).
Only the General category candidates can avail EWS.

Quick Takeaway: EWS eligibility = Annual family income under ₹8 lakh + No large land/house ownership + Belonging to General category.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for EWS Certificate

Check Eligibility
- Ensure your family’s income and property holdings fit within the limits.
Collect Documents (see detailed list later).
Visit Local Authority
- Apply at Tehsil, District Collector’s office, or designated online portal of your state.
Fill Application Form
- Provide income, asset, and identity details.
Verification
- Local authority verifies through patwari or revenue officer.
Issue of Certificate
- Generally valid for 1 year; required for exams, admissions, jobs.

EWS Eligibility Checklist (2025 Updated)

Belongs to General category (not availing SC/ST/OBC quota).
Family income under ₹8 lakh/year.
Not owning large agricultural, residential, or housing property.
Indian citizen, residing in the state of application.
Supporting documents ready (income, asset proof, residence proof, etc.).

Documents Required for EWS Certificate

Aadhar card / PAN card / Voter ID
Income certificate of family
Property documents / affidavit
Caste certificate (to prove non-SC/ST/OBC)
Ration card / domicile proof
Passport-size photographs

Case Study: How EWS Benefits Changed a Student’s Journey

Take Riya Sharma, a student from Madhya Pradesh (2021). With her father earning ₹6 lakh annually and owning less than an acre of land, she qualified under EWS.

She applied for the National Law University exam with EWS certificate.
Her rank improved drastically due to reservation cut-off.
Today she is pursuing her law degree at a top NLU.

This case shows how EWS can be a real game-changer for financially weaker families who don’t fall into other reserved categories.

Common Mistakes While Applying (and How to Avoid Them)

Submitting outdated income documents.
Forgetting to renew certificate before validity expires.
Assuming “income only from salary” counts—actually, all sources are included.
Believing that SC/ST/OBC candidates can apply under EWS (they cannot).

Did You Know? EWS Myths vs Reality

Myth: EWS quota is only for students.
Reality: It applies to both education and government jobs.
Myth: Only landless people qualify.
Reality: Landowners can qualify if property is below threshold.
Myth: Reservation breaches 50% ceiling.
Reality: Supreme Court (2022, Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India) upheld EWS quota even beyond 50%.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Application

Apply for certificate at least 3 months before application deadlines for college/exams.
Always keep multiple copies of attested documents.
Re-verify local guidelines since states may add specific requirements.
Keep digital scanned versions for online applications.

Visuals with Alt Text Suggestions

Infographic of Step-by-Step EWS Application — alt text: “Infographic explaining EWS eligibility and certificate process in 5 steps”.
Checklist Poster of EWS Criteria — alt text: “Visual checklist of Article 15(6) EWS eligibility criteria”.
Case Study Illustration — alt text: “Real-life example of an Indian student availing EWS benefits under Article 15(6)”.

Internal & External Linking Suggestions

Internal Links:

Guide to Article 14 and Equality before Law
Article 16 Reservations Explained
How to Apply for Income Certificates: A Legal Guide

External Links:

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment – Reports & Guidelines
Supreme Court Judgments Database
PIB Press Release on EWS Quota (2019)

FAQs (People Also Ask from Google)

Who is eligible for EWS under Article 15(6)?
General category Indian citizens with family income below ₹8 lakh per year, and who do not own agricultural land or residential property beyond prescribed limits, are eligible. SC, ST, and OBC categories are excluded.
What is the income limit for EWS quota in India?
The annual family income should be less than ₹8 lakh from all sources to qualify for the EWS quota.
Can OBC, SC, or ST apply for EWS certificate?
No, EWS reservation is available only for General category candidates who are not part of SC, ST, or OBC categories.
Is EWS certificate valid across all states in India?
EWS certificates are generally valid across India but it is advisable to check state-specific rules as some states have additional criteria or separate application processes.
How long is EWS certificate valid for government exams?
Typically, EWS certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue and need to be renewed annually for continuous eligibility.

Comprehensive EWS Application Checklist

Verify family income < ₹8 lakh/year.
Ensure no disqualifying property ownership.
Collect identity + income + residence + non-reservation proof.
Apply offline at tehsil office or online via state portal.
Keep copies for multiple submissions (college + job applications).

Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Article 15(6) is not just a constitutional amendment—it’s a lifeline for many families in the General category struggling financially. By understanding EWS eligibility, preparing documents in advance, and applying correctly, you can unlock access to top institutions and government opportunities.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or family member who might benefit. Have doubts about applying? Drop your questions in the comments—I’d love to help!

Author Bio

Adv. Arunendra Singh, a legal scholar, content strategist, and innovator who bridges traditional legal practice with emerging technologies. Currently at NLSIU, Bangalore, has been awarded by President of India for exceptional academic and leadership achievements. As Founder of Kanoonpedia, Arunendra has built a premier legal-education platform offering in-depth constitutional analyses, landmark case studies, and exam-focused guides.

He is also Co-Founder of Clicknify, the “Anti-Agency Agency” for startups. Using his proprietary Legal Clarity™ framework—which fuses doctrinal research, SEO-driven content architecture, and interactive study tools, he has elevated user engagement by over 70% and doubled session durations across both platforms. In his consulting practice, Arunendra applies expertise in digital marketing and UX clarity audits to help edtech ventures achieve measurable growth through data-driven design and strategic conversion roadmaps.

Trusted by top-tier law faculties, student associations, and early-stage startups, his hands-on workshops and advisory services have boosted organic traffic by 150% and transformed passive readers into active learners. Connect with Adv. Arunendra Singh for thought leadership in legal innovation and technology law: LinkedIn