Explained MP High Court EWS Candidates Cannot Claim General Seats

Explained MP High Court: EWS Candidates Cannot Claim General Seats

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that candidates who apply under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota cannot later claim selection under the General category, even if their overall scores exceed the general cut-off. Once a candidate avails reservation benefits at any stage of recruitment, they cannot switch categories.

What the Court Said

The case involved three candidates (from OBC and EWS categories) who applied for police constable recruitment under reserved quotas.

Their written exam scores were below the general category cut-off, but they performed better in the physical fitness test, which raised their overall scores above general candidates.

They argued they should be considered under the general category since their final scores were higher.

Justice Deepak Khot dismissed the plea, clarifying that since they had availed reservation benefits in the written exam stage, they could not later demand inclusion in the general category.

Key Legal Principle

Reservation once availed = category locked.

If a candidate uses reservation benefits (like lower cut-off marks or reserved seats) in any stage of recruitment, they cannot later shift to the general category.

The ruling emphasizes consistency and fairness in recruitment: allowing category changes mid-process would disadvantage genuine general-category candidates.

 Implications

This decision may set a precedent for future recruitments in Madhya Pradesh and possibly influence similar cases across India.

Candidates must choose their category carefully at the time of application, as they cannot later switch based on performance.

It reinforces the principle that EWS quota is distinct from General category, even though EWS reservation is carved out of general seats.

Why It Matters

For aspirants: It’s a reminder to apply under the correct category and understand the consequences of availing reservation benefits.

For recruitment boards: It provides legal clarity to avoid disputes in merit lists.

For policy: It highlights the fine balance between merit and reservation in India’s recruitment system.

In short: 

The MP High Court has made it clear—if you apply under EWS (or any reserved category), you cannot later demand inclusion in the General category, even if your final score is higher. 

This ruling strengthens the integrity of the reservation system.

EWS quota is structured within the General category

this is what makes the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling so significant.

How EWS Quota Works

The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation was introduced in 2019 through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

It provides 10% reservation in education and government jobs for candidates from the General category who are economically weaker.

Eligibility is based on income and asset limits (family income below ₹8 lakh per year, limited land/house ownership, etc.).

Importantly, EWS is carved out of the General category, but it is still a separate quota—meaning EWS candidates are not treated as “open merit” once they claim this benefit.

Why the Court’s Ruling Matters

Many candidates argue that since EWS is part of the General category, they should be allowed to compete in General seats if their marks are higher.

The MP High Court clarified: once you apply under EWS, you are bound to that category.

This prevents candidates from double-dipping—using relaxed cut-offs or reserved seats at one stage, then switching to General later.

It protects fairness for true General-category candidates who don’t have any reservation benefits.

Broader Implications

This ruling reinforces the distinct identity of EWS within General.

It may influence recruitment boards across India to lock candidates into their chosen category from the start.

It also highlights the delicate balance between merit and reservation in India’s system: 

EWS is meant to uplift economically weaker sections, not to give flexible category-switching advantages.

So in short:

EWS is technically part of General, but legally treated as a separate reservation.