India is a country of diversity. It is said that the soul of the country follows the mantra of Unity in Diversity. Though the country is divided into many castes and creeds, at the end of the day, the countrymen are treated as one. However, considering the social injustice in 1979, the Mandal commission directed by Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was formed to identify the “Socially backward classes in India.”

This commission was the first to propose 27% reservation to OBC, i.e., 49% of reservations in the Public Sector. However, OBC is again divided into two layers, i.e., Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer. If you are an OBC candidate, you should not miss the benefits. To learn more, follow this article to the end.

What is a creamy layer?

The term Creamy Layer is used to refer to those people who belong to educated and financially established members of other Backward classes. Members from this group are not eligible for any governmental benefits related to jobs and education. The Sattanathan Commission introduced this term in 1971. According to this term, the creamy layer should be excluded from all the Govt. Reservations.

What is a non-creamy layer?

The term “Non-Creamy layer” refers to those people whose family income is less than 8 lakh annually. According to Indian Constitution, any person belonging to this category is entitled to receive all the benefits from the Indian Government and even get the age relaxation as well. Anyone who falls under the OBC category can enjoy reservation while applying for a Govt. Job. But to enjoy these benefits, one has to avail OBC certificate. Take note that this certificate is valid in every Indian state except Tamil Nadu. If you come under a non-creamy layer, avail of the certificate at your convenience.

The basic differences between creamy and non-creamy layer

It is one of the most asked questions related to the OBC category. The basic difference between these categories lies in their income limits.

It is believed that all OBC creamy layer candidates’ family income is above 8 lakh per annum, and OBC non-creamy layer candidates’ family income is below 8 lakh annually. The candidate from OBC creamy layer enjoys a few benefits or sometimes even no benefits from the Indian Government. On the other hand, the candidates coming under OBC non-creamy layer are entitled to enjoy all the benefits.

But the irony is that nowadays, not all the candidates’ families coming under OBC creamy layer are earning more than eight lakhs annually. Proper inspection is required while determining these layers.

Are you eligible for a non-creamy layer?

If you want to apply for an OBC-non Creamy layer, you should keep some basic criteria in mind. By considering specific criteria, people are categorized under OBC-non creamy layer. Let’s have a look at these basic criteria.

Combined Income of a person and a family

If the combined income of a person and his or her family is less than 8 lakh per annum, the candidate can apply for OBC-non creamy layer certificate. If the total income of a family is more than this, they are not eligible for this category certificate. (Income from agriculture is not included)

Employment under central Government

• If anyone’s parents are working under central Government under group C or D, they are not eligible for Non-Creamy Layer Certificate.
• If a person himself or herself is employed under the Central Government in the Group B category, he or she is eligible to receive an OBC non-creamy layer certificate.
• If a woman’s husband is employed under the Central Government, the woman is eligible for applying for an OBC non-creamy layer certificate as her parents don’t receive any kind of Income.

Benefits of being on the OBC list

There are lots of benefits that come with an OBC certificate. Both central government and state government include lots of benefits such as:

• 27% of reservation quota in state government jobs like IAS, IPS.
• Reservation in Government institutes like IIMS and IITS.
• Candidates can get age relaxation.
• There is a relaxation in the number of attempts for exams.
• Candidates can get relaxation in Cut-Off marks.

Who can’t apply for an OBC certificate?

• Whose parents employed under Group A services like IPS, IAS are not eligible.
• Whose parents employed under Group B and C of the Central Government are not eligible.
• Whose parents employed under group 1 of the state government is not eligible.
• Family income exceeding 8 lakh is not eligible.

Conclusion 

The purpose of the OBC reservation is to uplift the deserving candidates from backward classes. But many of the candidates don’t even know how to apply for the certificate. If you also come under this Quota, you should claim your certificate now. I hope this article helps you. If you want to learn about the application process, feel free to leave a query. We will reach you soon.