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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.
Table of Contents
What is the OBC Category?
There is no definition of the OBC category in the Constitution. In April 1993, the government enacted the National Commission for Backward 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 backward classes of citizens not belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
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
Latest 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, emphasizing 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.
What is this Issue?
Kunbi, an agrarian community, falls in the OBC category, and Jarange, spearheading the agitation for reservation for the Marathas since last August, has been demanding Kunbi certificates for all Marathas. A draft notification was issued by the government following negotiations with Jarange, stating that blood relatives of a Maratha person, who has records to show that he belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, would also be recognised as Kunbi.
Also Read: OBC Scholarships
Central List of OBCs: State-wise
The Central government of India 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:
- Regarding seats in government posts (such as IAS, IPS, etc.) and government institutions, there is a 27% reservation quota (like the IIMs and IITs).
- There is a modification of the maximum age requirement for a number of exams, including the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- 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 Between the 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 Other Backward Classes’ members who are in the creamy layer are not eligible for reservation. | The advantage of the reservation is available to Other Backward Classes members who are in the non-creamy layer. |
| Income should be above 8 Lakhs | Income should be below 8 Lakhs |
| Total family income exceeds the 8 LPA family income cap (Income from salaries or agricultural land shall not be clubbed) | Total family income is less than the 8 LPA (Income from salaries or agricultural land shall not be clubbed) |
| 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: UPSC Exam
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 annual parental income limit for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) who do not fall within the creamy layer is Rs. 8 lakh.
No, OBC (Other Backward Classes) is not solely based on parents’ income. While income is a factor in determining the “creamy layer” (those who are excluded from OBC benefits due to higher economic status), caste and traditional occupation are also significant criteria.
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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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.
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.