UPSC EWS Quota Controversy: Financial Backgrounds of Selected Candidates Under Scrutiny

Overview of the EWS Quota Issue

Concerns have emerged regarding the financial backgrounds of candidates chosen under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. Let's delve into the details surrounding this issue.

As the National Testing Agency (NTA) faces its own challenges, scrutiny has shifted to the UPSC, not due to paper leaks, but because of the EWS quota. Investigations into the financial situations of several selected candidates have unveiled noteworthy findings.

Key Findings from the Investigation

A report from a prominent news outlet highlights several surprising revelations. Out of the 104 candidates selected under the EWS quota, a significant number had attended costly coaching institutes, private schools, or hailed from business families.

Specifically, the investigation found that:

1. 67 candidates had enrolled in prestigious coaching centers with fees amounting to lakhs.

2. 46 candidates were educated in private schools known for their high tuition fees.

3. 28 candidates came from families engaged in business.

4. Approximately 10 candidates had prior experience in the corporate sector.

In terms of educational qualifications, many candidates graduated from top-tier institutions. The report indicates that around 14 candidates completed their degrees at esteemed universities such as IITs, NITs, JNU, and Delhi University. However, it also notes that some candidates genuinely qualify for the EWS quota.

Understanding the EWS Quota

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota was established in 2019 through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. This provision offers a 10% reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for economically disadvantaged individuals from the general category.

The EWS reservation is designed for those who do not belong to reserved categories like SC, ST, or OBC but are economically weaker. Currently, families with an annual income below ₹8 lakh and meeting the government's asset-related criteria can obtain an EWS certificate to benefit from this reservation.