Social Justice & Welfare·Prelims Strategy

Reservation in Services — Prelims Strategy

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Version 1Updated 26 Mar 2026

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Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, the strategy for 'Reservation in Services' must be fact-focused and precise. Aspirants should prioritize memorizing the exact constitutional articles (16(4), 16(4A), 16(4B), 16(6), 335) and the specific amendments that introduced or modified them (77th, 81st, 82nd, 85th, 103rd), along with their respective years.

A clear understanding of the key principles established by landmark Supreme Court judgments is crucial: Indra Sawhney (50% ceiling, creamy layer for OBC, initial stance on promotion), M. Nagaraj (conditions for promotion reservation for SC/ST), Jarnail Singh (creamy layer for SC/ST in promotions, removed backwardness data requirement), and Janit Singh (EWS validity).

Pay close attention to the beneficiaries of each provision (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) and the current reservation percentages in central government services. Questions often test the chronology of amendments and judgments, the specific provisions of each article, and the core concepts like 'creamy layer,' 'consequential seniority,' and 'carry forward' rule.

Create flashcards for quick recall of these facts. Vyyuha advises practicing MCQs that involve matching, sequencing, and identifying correct/incorrect statements to build accuracy and avoid common traps related to subtle distinctions between similar provisions.