Why in News?
The Supreme Court will examine a petition seeking a “creamy layer” system for SC/ST reservations, similar to OBCs, to ensure equitable distribution of benefits; the hearing is scheduled for October 10, 2025.
Description:
- Introduced: 1993, Supreme Court judgment.
- Applicable to: Only OBC category; SC/ST have no creamy layer criterion for reservation benefits.
- Determination Factors: Both income and social status.
- Certificate: Non-Creamy Layer Certificate issued by competent authority is mandatory to claim benefits.
1. Creamy Layer (OBC):
- Meaning: Economically and socially advanced section within OBC category.
- Not eligible for reservation benefits in jobs, education, and welfare schemes meant for socially & educationally backward classes.
Eligibility Criteria (as of 2024):
- Annual family income > ₹8 lakh (some states considering ₹8–₹15 lakh for revision).
- Parents in Group A/Group B central or state govt. services.
- High-income professionals (doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs).
2. Non-Creamy Layer (OBC):
- Meaning: Economically and socially backward section of OBC category.
- Eligible for reservation benefits in jobs, education, and welfare schemes.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Annual family income < ₹8 lakh.
- Parents not in senior govt. posts or high-income private jobs.
- Considered economically weaker and socially disadvantaged.
3. Key Differences:
| Aspect | Creamy Layer | Non-Creamy Layer |
| Eligibility for Reservation | Not eligible | Eligible |
| Income Limit | Above ₹8 lakh | Below ₹8 lakh |
| Social Status | Economically & socially advanced | Economically & socially backward |
| Govt. Job Criteria | Parents in Group A/B | Parents in lower posts /unemployed |
| Proof Required | No NCL certificate | NCL certificate mandatory |
| Example | Doctor earning ₹15 lakh/year | Farmer earning ₹4 lakh/year |
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
