Reservation in UPSC plays a pivotal role in making India’s civil services system more inclusive and equitable. Over the years, it has helped bridge the representation gap in administration for marginalized communities. Moreover, the UPSC reservation policy applies not just to the number of attempts and age limits, but also to selection and eligibility standards. Hence, understanding how it works is essential before appearing for the exam.
Why Reservation in UPSC Matters
To begin with, Reservation in UPSC serves as a constitutional tool to provide fair chances to underrepresented communities. As a result, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) receive category-wise benefits during the recruitment process.
Category-Wise UPSC Reservation Quota
Here’s how the reservation is distributed across categories:
| Category | UPSC Reservation Quota |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 4% |
Age Relaxation Under UPSC Reservation
Not only does UPSC offer relaxed eligibility, but it also provides extended age limits for reserved categories. Consequently, this relaxation ensures equal competition.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| Defence Personnel | 3 Years |
| PwBD (OH/VH/HH) | 10 Years |
Eligibility Conditions for Claiming a Reservation
To claim a a Reservation in UPSC, candidates must meet the following essential conditions:
- Their caste or tribe must be listed in the Central Government’s official list.
- OBC candidates must submit a Non-Creamy Layer certificate.
- EWS candidates must satisfy income and asset criteria.
- All claims must be backed by valid documentation and original certificates.
Steps to Claim a Reservation in UPSC
Applicants need to follow certain guidelines while applying carefully:
- Please mention the category correctly when filling out the application form.
- Keep the required certificate ready for verification during the Personality Test.
- Once declared as General, the category cannot be changed later under any circumstances.
- PwBD candidates must ensure their disability is at least 40% and certified.
UPSC Reservation – SC/ST/OBC vs General Comparison
It is also important to understand how various aspects, such as attempts, age, and fees, differ.
| Category | No. of Attempts | Age Limit | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 6 | 32 Years | ₹100 |
| OBC | 9 | 35 Years | ₹100 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 Years | Nil |
Reservation in UPSC for EWS Category
Introduced under the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, EWS reservation is a major step towards supporting financially weaker candidates from the general category. It ensures a 10% reservation without any changes in age, attempts, or fees.
EWS Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under the EWS category:
- The candidate must not belong to SC, ST, or OBC.
- Family income must be less than ₹8 lakh per year.
- No ownership of agricultural land above 5 acres.
- The residential flat must be less than 1000 sq ft.
- Residential plot size must be within defined limits in municipal zones
| Criteria | EWS Reservation |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Same as General |
| No. of Attempts | 6 |
| Application Fee | ₹100 |
PwBD Reservation in UPSC
Candidates with at least 40% benchmark disability can avail of reservation under UPSC.
PwBD Categories Recognized by UPSC
- PH-1: Orthopedically Handicapped (OH)
- PH-2: Visually Handicapped (VH)
- PH-3: Hearing Handicapped (HH)
PwBD Benefits in UPSC
- Age relaxation up to 10 years
- Additional attempts (up to 9 times)
- Facility of scribes, extended exam time, and accessible exam centers
👉 To understand the complete eligibility and support system, read UPSC Guidelines for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
👉 Also, check this detailed guide on physically handicapped criteria for UPSC Civil Services Examination to know about applicable disabilities, documentation, and category-wise advantages.
🔗 For official details, visit the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India)
Conclusion
Clearly, Reservation in UPSC is more than a policy—it’s a gateway to equity and fairness in public services. It continues to level the playing field for candidates from underrepresented and economically weaker sections. By understanding the criteria, categories, and benefits, aspirants can make informed decisions and better utilize the opportunities presented to them.
FAQs on Reservation in UPSC
→ SC gets 15%, and ST receives 7.5% reservation.
→ SC/ST get 5 years, OBC get 3 years, PwBD candidates get 10 years relaxation.
→ Yes, EWS candidates get 10% reservation under the General category.
→ OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts.
→ Yes, if they meet the benchmark disability criteria of 40% or more.
