Questions Raised Over UPSC EWS Quota: Are the Rights of the Truly Needy Being Snatched Away?

Questions have arisen regarding the financial status of certain candidates selected under the EWS quota in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Let us understand the full details of the matter...

UPSC EWS Quota: Just as the NTA's troubles showed no signs of abating, questions are now being raised about the UPSC. However, these questions do not concern paper leaks but rather the EWS quota. Investigations into the financial backgrounds of several selected candidates have revealed significant findings.

According to a report by *The Indian Express*, a large number of the 104 candidates selected under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025 had studied at expensive coaching institutes, attended private schools, or belonged to families involved in business.

What does the report say?

The report has brought several startling facts to light. Of the candidates selected under the EWS quota, 67 had studied at reputed coaching institutes where fees run into lakhs of rupees. The investigation revealed that 46 candidates had attended private schools known for expensive education. Additionally, 28 candidates came from business families, while around 10 candidates had prior work experience in the corporate sector.

Regarding their educational background, many candidates had studied at the country's top institutions. According to the report, approximately 14 candidates completed their graduation or post-graduation at institutions such as IITs, NITs, JNU, and Delhi University. At the same time, the report indicates that some candidates do indeed meet the criteria for the EWS quota.

What is EWS?

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota was introduced in 2019 through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. Under this system, economically weaker individuals from the general category are granted a 10 percent reservation in educational institutions and government jobs. EWS reservation is intended for candidates who do not belong to reserved categories such as SC, ST, or OBC but are economically weaker. Currently, if a family's annual income is less than ₹8 lakh and it meets the asset-related criteria prescribed by the government, the family can obtain an EWS certificate and avail the benefits of this reservation.