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In India, the OBC Category (Other Backward Classes) are socially and educationally disadvantaged. In contrast to Scheduled Classes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST), OBCs are a separate category. A list maintained by the Central Government of India identifies the castes and communities considered OBCs. It is one of several official Indian population classifications, along with general castes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes (SCs and STs).
Hence, this blog highlights who falls under the OBC category and their benefit entitlements.
Contents
What is the OBC Category?
There is no definition of the OBC category in the Constitution. In April 1993, there was an enactment by NCBC or the National Commission for Backward Classes, to respond to the decision of the Supreme Court in Indira Sawhney’s case. The government enacted the National Commission for Backwards Classes (NCBC) Act in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Indira Sawhney’s case. “Backward classes,” according to Section 2 of the NCBC Act, refer to those citizens that does not belong to the SCs and STs.
Trace the History of the OBC Category:
Read: How Mandal Changed, and Did Not Change, India
Read: Rohini Commission decoded: Understanding sub-categorisation of OBCs
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Latest Updates on Central OBC List
Moreover, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has recently sent a letter to Hansraj Gangaram Ahir (chairman of the National Commission for Backwards Classes) on November 23, 2025. It emphasises adding 14 castes/communities from Odisha, along with the Khandayat caste, to the central OBC list. Although these castes are included in he state SEBC, they were not a part of central OBC list and hence, not able to take benefits of the category. Due to this, people from these castes do not get reservation benefits for central-level schemes, including the following:
- Central government jobs
- Central educational institutions
- Professional courses
- Other central government welfare schemes
Other Important News Around OBC Category
- Marathas must not be given OBC quota: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Bhagwat Karad
- The Supreme Court upheld Bihar’s 65% reservation law for OBCs in government jobs and education.
- The Kerala High Court denied an OBC certificate, emphasising the need for engagement in a traditional occupation for eligibility.
- The Delhi High Court reinstated a medical student’s admission after their caste status was recognized.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing the Rs 8 lakh annual income limit for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota.
- The Supreme Court urged the MP High Court to expedite a decision on the legality of 27% OBC reservation in AYUSH PG admissions.
Central List of OBCs: State-wise
The Central Indian government has issued a complete list of communities belonging to the OBC category. The list of OBCs can be accessed through the official link given below for a better understanding.
| Particular | Relevant Link |
| State-wise Central List of OBCs | Click Here |
Benefits of Being Included in the OBC Category
Both the Central Government and State Governments are conducting numerous programmes and plans to elevate the OBCs (Other Backward Classes). Several advantages offered to the OBC category include:
- There is around 27% of the reservation quota, such as for IIMs and IITs for government seats availability for vacant posts, such as IAS, IPS, etc. and for government educational institutions.
- In terms of the age limits, there is a modification of the maximum requirement, which is inclusive of the civil services exam by UPSC.
- There are fewer restrictions on how many times you can take a test.
- Regarding cut-off marks, there is a relaxation
Must Read: What is SC Category?
Difference in Creamy and Non-Creamy Layers of the OBC Category
The list of Castes and Communities that are considered in the OBC category has been made public by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Indian government uses the collective phrase “Other Backward Classes” to categorise castes that have social and educational disadvantages. Along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, it is one of the official classifications of India’s population (SCs and STs).
| Creamy Layer | Non-Creamy Layer |
| The creamy layer’s other backward classes’ members are not eligible for reservation. | The advantage of the reservation is available to non-creamy other backward classes members who are in the layer. |
| Income should be above INR 8 Lakhs | Income should be below INR 8 Lakhs |
| Total family income exceeds the INR 8 LPA family income cap (Salaries income as well as land used for agriculture, must not be clubbed together) | Total family income exceeds the INR 8 LPA family income cap (Salaries income as well as land used for agriculture, must not be clubbed together) |
| If a person is not requesting any form of reservation, no such document must be filed by them. | They can avail advantages, such as age relaxation and exam attempt relaxation for competitive exams. |
| If a person is not requesting any form of reservation, no such document is needed to be filed by them. | Every person requesting OBC status must produce a certificate stating their “OBC non-creamy layer status” that was granted by one of the authorities listed in the DOPT Office Memorandum. |
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How Many Attempts for OBCs in UPSC?
The UPSC offers accommodations for the OBC category, in the IAS Exam. Additionally, the board places some restrictions on some groups of persons and offers some flexibility in others. The applicants for the exam should therefore make sure they meet all requirements for admission before submitting their applications.
UPSC Attempts for OBC – An Overview
The UPSC typically gives each candidate belonging to the OBC category or the PwBD category, who is taking the exam six chances to pass. For other kinds of candidates, the commission also offers some flexibility. As a result, depending on which group each candidate falls under, their total number of attempts is different from one another.
| Candidate Category | Number of attempts |
| OBC Category (Other Backward Classes) | 09 |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) + OBC | 09 |
The information in the table above about OBC candidates’ UPSC efforts was obtained from the UPSC’s official website, and it is clear that the number of attempts given for OBC applicants is greater than the attempts made by candidates in the general category.
Also Read: What is the full form of POSCO?
FAQs
The SC list now includes the following 17 OBC sub-castes: Kahar, Kashyap, Kevat, Mallah, Nishad, Kumhar, Prajapati, Dheevar, Bind, Bhar, Rajbhar, Dhimar, Batham, Turha, Godia, Manjhi, and Machhua.
Income Requirement for Classifying OBCs as Non-Creamy Layer. The parent’s annual income must be less than Rs. 8 lakhs for the applicant to be considered an OBC non-creamy layer candidate. For the purposes of estimating annual income for creamy layer status, salaries and agricultural revenue are not to be taken into account.
Based on the annual Income and Education, the OBC category is further broken into a number of categories. OBC A families earn between 5 and 8 lakhs per year. OBC B’s income ranges from 1 to 5 lakhs. OBC C has a family income of under 1 lakh.
An OBC certificate primarily offers two key benefits:
– Reservations in Education: Access to reserved seats in educational institutions at various levels.
– Reservations in Government Jobs: Eligibility for reserved positions in government employment.
OBC stands for Other Backward Classes. Individuals belonging to socially and educationally backward classes who are not included in the Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories are generally considered OBCs.
The validity of an OBC certificate can vary depending on the issuing authority and the purpose it’s used for. It’s generally valid for a specific period, after which renewal may be required.
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Leave a Reply
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jee main entrance exam need obc certificate is enouth
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our caste is 2A in Karnataka. Is it coming under obc.
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Hi Basavaraj
Yes! The 2A category in Karnataka is considered under OBC. Additionally, the State of Karnataka has four categories of OBC: 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B based on economic, social, and educational status. In 2022, the Karnataka government decided to create two new categories, 2C and 2D. Those who are presently in 3A and 3B would now find place in 2C and 2D.
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6 comments
jee main entrance exam need obc certificate is enouth
our caste is 2A in Karnataka. Is it coming under obc.
Hi Basavaraj
Yes! The 2A category in Karnataka is considered under OBC. Additionally, the State of Karnataka has four categories of OBC: 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B based on economic, social, and educational status. In 2022, the Karnataka government decided to create two new categories, 2C and 2D. Those who are presently in 3A and 3B would now find place in 2C and 2D.
Hey Suresh, thanks for sharing your story. The caste system is a complex issue in India, and unfortunately, prejudices still exist.Your caste or what Brahmins call you shouldn’t define your worth. Your hard work and success speak volumes! Earning 30 lakh a year is fantastic, and that achievement deserves respect, regardless of caste.The good news is, times are changing. The Central Government considering you general caste is a step towards equality. It means your caste doesn’t limit your opportunities.While an OBC certificate might have some benefits, your success proves you can excel without it. Focus on your achievements and keep inspiring others.If caste-based discrimination bothers you, remember, there are laws against it. You can report any such incidents.There are many successful people from all castes in India. You’re an example of that!
Our cast is c bc in telangana, is that obc??
Hello Prabhu,
BC (Backward castes) are not considered backward class of India with 1% reservation at state level and at national level they come under OBC (other backward class).The OBC category is divided into two groups: Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer. This is based on your family’s income.You are considered part of the Non-Creamy Layer if:
–Your family earns less than ₹8 lakhs per year.
–One of your parents works for the Central Government in a Group C or Group D job.
–You are married to a Central Government employee (Group C or D) and your parents don’t have a regular income.
–You work for the Central Government in a Group B job and your parents don’t have a regular income.