Is There Any Difference Between EWS Certificate and Income Certificate?
An EWS certificate is a special document for people from economically weaker sections, offering reservation benefits. An income certificate simply shows your family's yearly income. While related, they serve different purposes. You need an income certificate to apply for an EWS certificate.
An EWS certificate and an income certificate are two separate certificates, even though both communicate the financial position of your family. An income certificate is a general certificate that state authorities issue to authenticate your family's annual household income, typically required for school admission, fee relaxation, or government subsidies. On the other hand, an EWS certificate is exactly for candidates from the General Category whose family income is less than INR 8 lakh a year, which entitles them to avail of a 10% reservation in education and employment in the government. If you are completing application forms for scholarships or entry reservations, you must know this difference.
Also Read:List of Documents Required for EWS Certificate
What is an Income Certificate?
An income certificate is a formal document issued by the government which verifies your family's income for a financial year. It is the official proof of your family income for a financial year and gets massive utilisation for educational, financial, and social advantages.
Why You Need an Income Certificate?
As a student, an income certificate can help you utilise different benefits, such as:
- Granting government and private scholarships according to family income.
- Obtaining admission through financial quotas or fee concession schemes in colleges and universities.
- Exposing to the benefits of state and central government welfare programs.
- Providing applications for education loans and other fiscal assistance schemes offered by banks and institutions.
Who Issues the Income Certificate?
Income certificates are often issued by local revenue offices such as Tehsildar, District Magistrate, or Deputy Commissioner. In the majority of states, one can apply online through government service portals nowadays. To obtain the certificate, you will need to submit mandatory documents such as:
- Address proof
- Identity proof
- Proof of income (such as salary slips, pension proofs, or self-declaration for unorganised types of work)
Also Read:What is the Income Criteria for EWS Certificate Eligibility?
What is an EWS Certificate?
An EWS certificate is an official government document that proves you fall under the Economically Weaker Sections category of the General population. It is meant for those who are not SC, ST, or OBC but have some asset and income criteria. This certificate qualifies you for special government schemes and reservations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Your family's annual income should not exceed INR 8 lakh.
- Agricultural land possessed by the family should not be over 5 acres.
- Residential property should be in the following ranges:
- In urban or municipal regions, the area of the plot or flat should generally not exceed 100–200 square yards.
- In rural or non-municipal regions, the ceiling could be up to 240 square yards.
- You must belong to the General category and not come under SC, ST, or OBC reservations.
Why is EWS certificate Important for Students?
- You can avail of the 10% reservation in central university admissions, IITs, IIMs, and other top institutions.
- It guarantees government job quota eligibility under the EWS category.
- You can also claim different welfare schemes, scholarships, and subsidies offered to support economically weaker families.
Key Differences Between EWS Certificate and Income Certificate
The table given below highlights the key differences between an income certificate vs an EWS certificate:
Parameter | Income Certificate | EWS Certificate |
Purpose | To prove your family’s income for general financial eligibility purposes | To prove you belong to the Economically Weaker Section (special reservation benefits) |
Eligibility | Anyone can apply regardless of income or caste | Income below INR 8 Lakhs + asset and landholding criteria + General category |
Issuing Authority | Local revenue authorities or the Tehsildar office | Government authority after income verification and asset checks |
Benefits | Scholarships, fee concessions, loans, and welfare benefits | 10% reservation in education and jobs, subsidy schemes for EWS |
Requirement for EWS | No prerequisites; an income certificate can be applied for independently | You first need an income certificate to apply for EWS |
Asset Documentation | Only income details | Includes both income and proof of land/assets |
If you are aware of the reason for issuing each certificate, you will be able to make better decisions while applying. If your family's income is below INR 8 lakh per year and you do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories, you have to apply for an EWS certificate after getting an income certificate so that you can avail yourself of a 10% reservation in education and jobs. But for scholarships, fee concession, or any other type of financial support, an income certificate will do.
Related Reads:
| How to Apply for EWS Certificate Online: Step-by-Step Process | Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for EWS Certificate |
| Benefits of Holding an EWS Certificate: Reservation and Subsidies |