EWS Certificate for Government Jobs: Income Limit, Property Rules and How to Apply
Updated 11 Oct 2026 · Sarkari Core
Since 2019, 10% of seats in central government jobs and admissions are reserved for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) — candidates who are not covered by SC, ST or OBC reservation and whose families have limited income and property. To claim an EWS seat you need an Income and Asset Certificate, commonly called the EWS certificate.
Who is eligible for EWS?
You can claim EWS only if all of these are true:
- You are not covered by SC, ST or OBC reservation. (An OBC candidate who is in the creamy layer cannot switch to EWS.)
- Your family's gross annual income is below ₹8 lakh for the financial year before you apply. Unlike the OBC test, all income counts here — salary, agriculture, business and profession.
- Your family does not own any of the following:
- 5 acres of agricultural land or more
- A residential flat of 1,000 sq ft or more
- A residential plot of 100 sq yards or more in a notified municipality
- A residential plot of 200 sq yards or more outside notified municipalities
Who counts as "family"?
For the EWS test, family means you, your parents, your brothers and sisters below 18, your spouse and your children below 18. Property held by the family in different places is added together.
What EWS gives you — and what it doesn't
| Reserved seats | 10% of vacancies in central recruitment (states set their own share for state posts) |
|---|---|
| Age relaxation | None in central recruitment — same age limit as General |
| Fee concession | Usually none; most notifications charge EWS the same fee as General |
| Attempts | Same as General (for example, 6 in UPSC Civil Services) |
| Cut-off | Separate EWS cut-off, often lower than the General cut-off |
Validity of the EWS certificate
The certificate is based on income for one financial year, so it is valid for that financial year only. Recruitment bodies state which year's certificate they accept — typically one based on income of the financial year before the closing date of applications. Renew it every year if you are actively applying.
Central format vs state format
For central jobs (SSC, UPSC, RRB, banks, central PSUs) you need the certificate in the format prescribed by the Government of India ("Income & Asset Certificate to be produced by Economically Weaker Sections"). States issue their own EWS certificates for state posts, sometimes with different property criteria. Ask for the correct format when you apply, and check the notification.
How to apply for an EWS certificate
The certificate is issued by the Tehsildar, SDM or other officer authorised by your state. Most states accept applications online:
- Uttar Pradesh: e-District portal (edistrict.up.gov.in) or a Jan Seva Kendra
- Bihar: RTPS portal (serviceonline.bihar.gov.in) or the RTPS counter at your block
- Other states: the state's e-District / citizen-services portal or a Common Service Centre
Documents usually needed
- Aadhaar card and proof of residence
- Income proof of the family for the last financial year — income certificate, salary slips or ITR
- Land and property records (khatauni / jamabandi, property papers)
- Self-declaration or affidavit about income and assets, in the state's format
- Your 10th certificate for date of birth and name
Steps
- Select the EWS / Income and Asset Certificate service on the portal.
- Fill in family members, income from every source, and land/property details honestly.
- Upload documents, pay the service fee (if any) and submit.
- A revenue official (such as a Lekhpal or Patwari) may verify the details.
- Download the digitally signed certificate once it is approved.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting salary or farm income. The OBC creamy-layer test excludes them, but the EWS test includes them.
- Ignoring property limits. A family below ₹8 lakh income but owning a 1,200 sq ft flat is not eligible.
- Using an old certificate. Last year's certificate is usually rejected.
- Claiming EWS without being sure. If your claim is rejected at document verification, you may lose the job even after clearing the exam. A false declaration can also lead to legal action.
Keep all your certificates ready with our document checklist, then find latest government jobs with EWS vacancies.