List of Documents Required for EWS Certificate

The documents required for EWS certificate include Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport-size photographs, family income certificate, ration card, ITR documents, residential proof, and a valid photo ID, all of which form the EWS certificate documents required to assess eligibility under the EWS certificate norms. These EWS required documents help authorities verify that the applicant does not belong to reserved categories such as SC, ST, or OBC and meets the prescribed income and asset criteria.

While understanding how to apply for EWS certificate, applicants must ensure that every document required for EWS certificate is submitted in the prescribed format, whether applying online or offline, as these documents are also essential during admissions and recruitment processes, which are later verified by the authorities at the time of admission or recruitment.

EWS Certificate Documents Overview

To truly understand what is EWS certificate and how to apply for EWS certificate​​​​​​, you must have a quick look at the overview.

Also Read: What is an EWS Certificate, and Who is Eligible for it?

What is an EWS Certificate?

EWS stands for Economically Weaker Sections. An EWS certificate is issued to eligible candidates from the General category whose family income falls below the prescribed limit, enabling them to avail the benefits of the 10% EWS reservation introduced in 2019. The EWS reservation was brought into force through the Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, a Central legislation implemented uniformly by States and Union Territories across India.

The EWS certificate documents required are used to verify income and asset criteria and confirm that the applicant does not belong to reserved categories such as SC, ST, or OBC. It is important to note that the EWS certificate is an income-based certificate, not a caste certificate. Candidates applying for government jobs, entrance exams, or college admissions must submit the documents required for EWS certificate in the prescribed format. Understanding how to apply for EWS certificate and preparing the EWS required documents in advance is essential, as these EWS admission documents required are verified during recruitment and admission processes.

Who Can Apply for an EWS Certificate?

Those who fit into the Economically Weaker Section category are eligible to receive the EWS certificate. However, in order to be qualified for the certificate, you must meet several requirements and provide the necessary EWS certificate documents. The primary requirements for eligibility are not being a member of any of India's reserved categories, such as SC, ST, or OBC, and having a family income of less than INR 8 lakh per annum.

Complete List of EWS Certificate Required Documents

Here is the list of EWS certificate required documents:

• Passport Size Photograph
• EWS Certificate Application Form
• Ration Card/EPIC Card/ Aadhaar Card
• ID Proof (Voter ID, PAN Card, etc)
• Affidavit or Self-Declaration
• Domicile Certificate
• Residential Proof
• Land or Property Documents
• Bank Statements
• Copy of IT Returns/ Pay Slips or Any Other Document
• Valid Documents Proving Family Income and Assets

Note: The documents required for EWS certificate must prove family income or assets certified by an officer, not below the rank of a Tehsildar in the Union Territories or States.

EWS Certificate Eligibility Criteria

Apart from submitting the necessary EWS certificate documents required, you must be aware of the eligibility criteria before applying for an EWS certificate. The eligibility criteria are -

• You should belong only to the general category
• The annual family income must be less than Rs. 8 lakh
• The family should not own agricultural land of 5 acres or more
• You should have a residential property of less than 100 sq. yards in terms of overall size
• The applicant’s family should not own a residential flat of 1000 sq. feet or more, or a residential plot of 100 sq yards or more in notified municipalities, or 200 sq yards or more in non-notified areas.

• Family income comprises income from sources such as business, salary, agriculture, private job, etc.
• Family members are defined as self, spouse, applicant’s parents, children, and siblings below the age of 18 years.

How to Apply for an EWS Certificate?

The application for an EWS certificate document can be done online as well as offline. Here are the steps involved:

Online:

• The application process for the EWS certificate document is dependent on the respective state government.
• You will have to visit the official portal of the respective state government and apply there.
• The application instructions for the same will be provided on the portal itself.
• Make sure to carry the scanned copies of the EWS certificate documents required at the time of the application. You will be required to upload these scanned copies.
• Fill in the details diligently and leave no space for any kind of error or discrepancy.
• You can finally submit the form after paying an application fee.

Offline:

• For the offline process, you can get an application from the nearby certificate issuance authority.
• You can also download an application from the official website of the respective state government.
• After downloading the form, get a printout and fill it out diligently.
• You will have to attach the documents required for the EWS certificate along with the application and post it to the provided address.
• You can have a look at the offline copy of the application below and download it for future use.

How to Check the Status of an EWS Certificate Document?

You can visit the official websites of the states to check your EWS certificate application status online. Given below are the official portals to check the application status of the EWS certificate.

Benefits of Acquiring EWS Certificate Documents

Here are the advantages of possessing an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Certificate:

• The EWS certificate enables people from the General category facing financial difficulties to access a 10% reservation in government employment.
• All significant universities affiliated with the UGC reserve 10% of their seats for individuals belonging to the EWS category.
• Qualified individuals can utilize their EWS certificate to participate in State and Central government subsidy programs.

Also Read: Benefits of Holding an EWS Certificate: Reservation and Subsidies

Who Can Issue EWS Certificate Documents?

Here is a list of the authorities that are competent to issue an EWS Certificate and verify the EWS certificate documents required. The authority must be concerned with the locality you are from.

• Collector
• Deputy Collector
• DM (District Magistrate)
• Additional District Magistrate
• City Magistrate - Taluka Magistrate
• Deputy Commissioner
• Additional Deputy Commissioner
• Revenue Officers not below the rank of Tahsildar
• Sub Divisional Officer (of the area of your residence)
• Executive Magistrate
• Extra Assistant Commissioner
• Development Officer
• Chief Presidency Magistrate
• Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate
• I-Class Stipendiary Magistrate
• President Magistrate

How Long Does it Take to Process an EWS Certificate?

The time to process an EWS certificate in India depends on the state where you apply and the documents required for EWS certificate. Processing time generally ranges between 7–21 working days, depending on state verification norms.. It's important to understand that this is only an approximation, and the real processing time can be shorter or longer based on individual situations.

How Does EWS Certificate Differ from OBC Certificate?

Here are the differences between an EWS certificate and an OBC certificate:

Also Read: Is There Any Difference Between EWS Certificate and Income Certificate?

EWS Certificate Validity

An EWS certificate is generally valid for one financial year, with many states specifying validity up to 31 March of the assessment year. To continue availing EWS quota benefits, candidates must renew them annually by submitting the documents required for an EWS certificate, either online or offline, to the competent authority.
Note: Certificates issued before April 1st of every year are often invalid for the new academic session.

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Understanding the documents required for EWS certificate, eligibility criteria, and application process is essential for a hassle-free admission experience. Ensure all EWS certificate documents required are accurate and up to date to successfully apply for the EWS certificate and avail reservation benefits in education and government employment.
In case of any queries on the topic, Documents required for EWS Certificate reach out to us on the CollegeDekho QnA zone . Also, please stay tuned to keep yourself updated on recruitment exams.

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