Serious issue ahead: need EWS cleanup

[Ira]

This definitely needs another look. Kudos to the Indian Express for the coverage. We should also look into a detailed Pooja Khedkar case now.

[Link for the post](https://www.google.com/amp/s/indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/ews-quota-civil-services-exam-2025-investigation-who-qualifies-upsc-selections-10746897/lite/)

[Harshit]

Nothing will work out if your name isn't on the list.

[Ananya]

In my view, EWS is the most abused reservation, even worse than OBC-NCL. While many criticize OBC/SC/ST reservations - which are actually needed - some of our own are back-stabbing us by forging EWS certificates. It should be scrapped altogether. Even with safeguards, it's bound to be misused by wealthy people.

[Aarti]

The EWS quota is a complete fraud.

[Ansh]

There are folks in higher-grade government services who are still claiming EWS reservation.

[Ankita]

If you manage to bribe the relevant officials, you can just get the EWS certificate.

[Mohit]

Can someone explain why, if the EWS certificate is so easy to obtain, upper-caste groups keep insisting on economic-status-based reservation instead of caste-based reservation?

[Larry]

The EWS system is being gamed badly. The rule only asks for income proof of the immediate previous financial year, which creates a big loophole. For example, if you joined an MNC in June last year and now earn around 1 crore, you can still claim EWS because in the prior FY (April 2024-March 2025) you had zero income and your parents earned under 8 lakh. That's how many already-selected IPS officers keep getting the EWS benefit.

There's really no need for bribery when the rule itself is that easy to misuse. It needs fixing not just for UPSC but also for masters, PCS, CAPF and other exams.

Attending a private school or college isn't solid proof of a fake EWS - my own school had a 25 % EWS quota and waived the fees. However, family business incomes should be scrutinised heavily during verification.

The mess around EWS creates so much confusion that even genuine candidates get caught up. Ultimately, the government must tighten the proof requirements for EWS. These candidates are still trainees and the system doesn't have to protect them.

[Gopal]

I've seen this throughout my career, from school days to now. Some students with deep pockets sit under fee-reimbursement schemes and get a lot of government support. Coming from a general background, it feels like we get no financial aid or scholarships. It's not just EWS; the whole system lets the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

[Ujjwal]

It's a scam launched by the current government to pander to its core voter base.

[James]

Astha Jain secured AIR 9 (CSE rank 25).