The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota, introduced in 2019, is a pivotal development in India’s education system. It aims to promote equality and access for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The EWS quota in NEET provides a 10% quota for eligible candidates in educational institutions and public employment. This provision ensures that deserving candidates, who don’t belong to other reserved categories, have an opportunity to secure seats in premier medical and dental colleges across India.
Eligibility for EWS Quota in NEET-UG
To qualify for the EWS quota, candidates must meet specific income and property criteria. These include –
Annual Family Income
The total annual income of the candidate’s family should be less than ₹8 lakh. This includes income from all sources, such as salaries, business, agriculture, and other professional services.
Land and Property Ownership–
-The family should not own agricultural land exceeding 5 acres.
-Residential property in urban areas should not exceed 100 square yards.
-Residential property in rural areas should not exceed 200 square yards.
Exclusion from Reserved Categories
Candidates must belong to the general category and should not be eligible for SC, ST, or OBC reservations.
What are the Benefits of EWS certificate in NEET?
Talking about the benefits of EWS certificate in NEET, it provides a 10% reservation for eligible candidates, offering them opportunities to secure seats in top medical and dental colleges. It levels the playing field for students from economically weaker sections who do not belong to other reserved categories like SC, ST, or OBC.
By fulfilling eligibility criteria, EWS candidates can benefit from slightly relaxed cut-off marks during counseling, increasing their chances of admission. This reservation promotes inclusivity and access to quality medical education.
How to Apply for an EWS certificate for NEET?
To be eligible for the NEET examination, candidates belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) must adhere to the following criteria:
- Candidates must have completed their 10+2 standard or its equivalent from a recognized board in India.
- Candidates must have secured an aggregate mark of 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology taken together.
If you fulfill these requirements, follow these steps to apply for an EWS certificate-
Step 1- The initial step involves acquiring Income and Asset Certificates from the relevant government authorities. The following entities are authorized to provide these certificates-
- District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner
- Revenue Officer/Tehsildar
- Sub-Divisional Officers
Step 2- The issuing officer will only issue the certificate after meticulously verifying all the pertinent documents and adhering to the prescribed due process by the relevant State or Union Territory.
Documents required for EWS certificate in NEET:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Bank statement
- Caste certificate
- Income certificate
- Proof of the property/land
- Domicile certificate
- Self-declaration affidavit
- Passport size photograph
While applying for the EWS category in the NEET 2025 examination, applicants must select the category in the application form as “General-EWS.” Additionally, there is no requirement to upload the EWS certificate in the NEET application form.
Is the EWS Certificate Required for NEET Application Form?
A common question that arises is, “Is EWS certificate required for NEET application form?” The answer is that while it is not mandatory to submit the certificate during the initial application process, it is essential for the counseling stage. During the counseling phase, candidates must provide proof of their EWS status to access the reserved seats.
The application form itself may require candidates to indicate whether they are claiming the EWS reservation, but the actual verification of the certificate occurs during counseling. This is why it is advisable to obtain the certificate before the NEET results are announced to avoid any delays during the seat allocation process.
Which EWS Certificate is Required for NEET- State or Central?
A question frequently asked by candidates is, “Which EWS certificate is required for NEET: state or central?” For NEET, a central EWS certificate is generally preferred as the exam and its subsequent admissions are governed by central regulations.
While some states may accept state-issued certificates for their own quota seats, obtaining a central certificate ensures that candidates are eligible for admission across all central and state medical colleges.
Having a central EWS certificate can prevent potential complications and make it easier for candidates to participate in counseling across different states. It is important to ensure that the certificate is valid for the current academic year and issued according to the guidelines provided by the Government of India.
The Takeaway
Among the different reservation criteria for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) 2025, there is a significant influence from the EWS reservation in NEET for the entrance test.
The EWS quota has created additional opportunities for students who have faced challenges competing in the unreserved category due to limitations in their finances. By providing students access to prestigious institutions, the EWS quota contributes to the inclusiveness of society as a whole.
FAQs on EWS Quota in NEET 2025
EWS seats, which constitute 10% of the total seats in medical colleges, vary annually based on the seat matrix.
The minimum marks required for admission are determined by the cut-offs, which are typically slightly lower for candidates from the EWS category compared to the unreserved general category.
Indeed, the EWS quota is applicable in the NEET 2025 examination, as stipulated by government regulations.
No, while EWS candidates belong to the general category, they are eligible for additional benefits under the economic reservation.
Candidates are permitted to transition to the general category during counseling, but this decision will result in the forfeiture of benefits associated with the EWS quota.
