What is the Difference Between EWS Certificate & Income Certificate?

Providing Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificates is an excellent initiative by the Indian Government that ensures certain reservations for individuals in the general category in top educational institutions and government schemes. 

However, to obtain the EWS status, a person must apply for an income certificate online. In this regard, people usually ask, "Is an income certificate and an EWS certificate the same?" 

Keep scrolling for detailed insight!

Although closely related, an EWS certificate is different from an income certificate. Any Indian citizen can contact the relevant state government authority, generally, the Sub Divisional Officer, to get a personal income certificate. To access this service, they need only create an account on the National Portal of India beforehand.

On the other hand, an EWS certificate is a dedicated income and asset certificate issued selectively to economically vulnerable individuals from the unreserved categories (other than SC/ST/OBCs). Before a person is considered for EWS benefits, designated authorities confirm their family's annual income for the previous financial year through an income certificate. 

Hence, although both documents indicate an individual's or family's financial status, they are not identical. Moreover, an income certificate is essential to apply for an EWS certificate.

An income certificate verifies your eligibility for various opportunities the State Government offers in different areas. Some of these fields include the following:

• Educational organisations with quotas reserved for students coming from economically backward categories. With a relevant income certificate, you may either qualify for a concession rate or receive free education.

• Some universities and colleges provide dedicated scholarships to uplift individuals whose family income falls below a certain level.

• You can avail of various medical benefits, such as discounted or free treatments, affordable medicines, and financial assistance at the time of a child's birth. 

• Eligible individuals can get loans from the concerned government departments at cheap interest rates.

• Additionally, old-age pensioners, widows, and agricultural labourers can avail themselves of various kinds of pensions with a valid income certificate.

• Besides this, any ex-servicemen can also claim financial benefits. 

• Certain eligible candidates can also apply for a monthly free ration using their income certificate.

Finally, eligible citizens holding a genuine income certificate can receive additional monetary benefits if they are affected by natural calamities or disasters affecting many victims.

In contrast to an income certificate, an EWS certificate is not issued to all. To be eligible for the associated benefits, your family’s gross income has to be below ₹8 Lakhs. Furthermore, if you are a resident of an urban area, your residential landholdings must not exceed 200 square yards.

If you meet the conditions mentioned above, you can apply for an EWS certificate to receive the following benefits:

• An EWS certificate secures a position in one of the prestigious universities or colleges that offer a 10% reservation for economically backwards individuals among general category candidates in UG and PG courses. 

• In addition, EWS certificate holders enjoy reservation benefits for various State and Central Government job opportunities and receive preference in various roles in autonomous bodies.

• Several financial assistance programs have been launched to uplift EWS category students. 

Altogether, by ensuring equal opportunities, the EWS certificate empowers a part of the economically disadvantaged population to pursue their dream education and fulfil professional aspirations.

As you now have your answer to the question, "Are an income certificate and an EWS certificate the same?", you can apply for a certificate that suits your requirements. Please ensure that you check out the relevant steps and the documents required to ensure a smooth application process.