Social Justice & Welfare·Prelims Strategy

EWS Reservation — Prelims Strategy

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Version 1Updated 5 Mar 2026

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Prelims Strategy

For Prelims preparation, focus on memorizing specific constitutional provisions (Articles 15(6) and 16(6)), exact income criteria (₹8 lakh), asset exclusion limits, and key Supreme Court case names with years.

Create a fact sheet covering: 103rd Amendment year (2019), reservation percentage (10%), income threshold, agricultural land limit (5 acres), residential plot limits (1000 sq ft/200 sq yards), and certificate validity (1 year).

Practice elimination techniques by understanding common traps: confusing amendment numbers (103rd vs 104th), mixing up income limits with OBC creamy layer, incorrect asset criteria, and wrong Supreme Court majority (3:2, not unanimous).

Pay special attention to the 'in addition to existing reservations' concept, which frequently appears in negative marking traps. Use acronyms like 'EWS-8-10-5-1' (₹8 lakh income, 10% quota, 5 acres land limit, 1 year validity) for quick recall.

Focus on recent developments including Supreme Court judgment details, state implementation variations, and current policy debates. Practice comparative questions distinguishing EWS from SC/ST/OBC reservations on various parameters.