Understand the latest reservation rules in government jobs across India, including updates in Tamil Nadu and Central govt vacancies. Get expert insights and prepare better with Impacteers skill assessments.
If you’re aiming for a career in government jobs in India, understanding the latest reservation rules is just as important as knowing the syllabus or cracking a computer-based exam. Whether you’re applying for a Central post, a State Government role in Tamil Nadu, or a graduate engineering position in a public-sector company, reservation rules play a major role in deciding your eligibility, merit rank, and final selection.
But with frequent policy updates, category-wise sub-quotas, EWS additions, and state-level variations, many candidates feel confused about what rules apply to them. That’s why we’re here to simplify and explain the latest reservation system, and show how tools like Impacteers Skill Assessment can help you focus on your performance while staying informed about the rules.
This blog covers:
- What reservation means in govt jobs
- Latest rules and category breakdowns
- Differences between Central and State (e.g., Tamil Nadu) reservations
- Important tips for graduates, engineers, and computer-based exam aspirants
- How to navigate your category documentation and skill eligibility
- FAQs and clarity on recent changes
Understanding Reservation in Government Jobs
Reservation in govt jobs is a policy designed to ensure equal representation for historically disadvantaged communities in India. It provides age relaxations, cut-offs, and special quotas for categories such as:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM)
- Women (in some state-level recruitments)
The reservation is implemented both in vacancies and in the selection process, including written exams, interviews, and final merit lists.
Latest Reservation Rules at the Central Government Level
As of 2025, here are the latest Central Government reservation norms:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 4% (horizontal) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Varies by department |
Important Notes:
- EWS reservation (introduced in 2019) applies only to unreserved candidates whose family income is below ₹8 lakh per year and who do not belong to SC/ST/OBC.
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates must renew their NCL certificate annually and submit valid documentation.
- PwD reservation is horizontal—it cuts across all vertical categories and applies to specific disabilities.
Impacteers includes government job readiness skill tests and mock interviews designed to reflect real competitive structures, making it easier to target your preparation based on category-based cutoffs.
Reservation in State Government Jobs: Tamil Nadu Example
Each state government in India follows its own reservation policy in line with its laws and population demographics. One of the most unique examples is Tamil Nadu, where reservation crosses 69%, higher than the Central cap of 50%.
Tamil Nadu State Reservation:
| Category | Reservation |
| BC | 26.5% |
| MBC/DNC | 20% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 1% |
| Others (Unreserved) | Remaining 37.5% |
- There’s also a 30% reservation for women in most state-level services.
- Differently-abled candidates receive horizontal reservation.
- Community certificates must be in the prescribed format approved by the state.
Tamil Nadu’s model has remained a key reference point in debates around expanding reservation limits in other states.
Key Reservation Benefits to Know
Reservation doesn’t just apply to seat allotments. It includes:
- Relaxation in Age Limits
SC/ST: +5 years | OBC: +3 years | PwD: up to +10 years
- Relaxation in Marks Cut-offs
Lower qualifying marks in exams/interviews for reserved candidates.
- Reservation in Promotion (for some Central Govt roles)
SC/ST candidates may be eligible for promotion quotas in some departments.
- Fee Concessions
Reduced or waived application and examination fees.
All these factors contribute to better chances of selection if you plan your preparation smartly and submit the correct category documents.
Reservation in PSU Engineering Jobs
Many engineering graduates aim for jobs in PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) like BHEL, NTPC, ONGC, and GAIL. These jobs usually recruit via GATE scores.
Reservation Pattern in PSUs:
- Follow Central Govt norms (SC: 15%, ST: 7.5%, OBC: 27%, EWS: 10%)
- Age relaxations and cutoff relaxations apply
- Often include PwD quotas for specific roles (especially computer and support roles)
Graduates should ensure their GATE scorecards, community certificates, and educational marksheets are in order during document verification.
Reservation and Skill-Based Recruitment
In 2025, many Central and State departments are adopting skill-based recruitment—especially for computer operators, clerks, IT support, and technical roles.
Candidates must now:
- Clear objective skill tests (typing, MS Office, computer basics)
- Appear for computer-based assessments with minimum qualifying marks
Impacteers Skill Assessment offers tailored modules for:
- Typing speed
- Basic computer operations
- Logical reasoning and situational judgment
- Interview readiness (customized per reservation policy and vacancy)
This lets you identify your weak areas and prepare smarter, especially for jobs where the written exam alone won’t secure your selection.
Navigating Reservation Documentation
Without the right documentation, your reserved category won’t be counted—even if you qualify otherwise.
Here’s what you need:
- Community Certificate (SC/ST/OBC): Issued by a competent authority and valid within your jurisdiction.
- EWS Certificate: Income + asset criteria, valid for one financial year.
- PwD Certificate: From a government hospital, must specify type and percentage of disability.
- Ex-Servicemen: Discharge documents and service book entries.
- Women Candidates (where applicable): Domicile and marital status proof may be required.
Mistakes in documentation are a major reason for application rejection. Ensure everything is in current format and renewed as required.
Tips for Graduates Applying to Reserved Vacancies
- Start early: Some certificates take 3–6 weeks to process. Don’t wait for result dates.
- Use checklists: Keep scanned copies of all reservation-related docs, signed and verified.
- Track your category rank: In many govt jobs, your selection will depend on the category cut-off even if your general score is high.
- Practice category-specific preparation: Use Impacteers assessments and mock tests designed for your competitive level.
- Stay updated: Follow UPSC, SSC, state PSC websites, and employment newspapers for reservation updates.
Impacteers and Reservation-Based Preparation
Impacteers isn’t just a testing platform—it’s a career development companion for aspirants preparing for government jobs in India.
Here’s how it helps:
- Offers personalized skill assessments for different roles and categories
- Tracks progress and gives data-based feedback
- Matches your skill level with upcoming vacancy announcements
- Simulates real test environments and category-based ranking
- Prepares you for interviews with focus on communication, personality, and clarity
Whether you’re from a reserved category or general, the platform ensures your skills and strategy are aligned with real job market expectations.
Final Thoughts
Understanding and correctly applying reservation rules is crucial for anyone aspiring to land a government job in India. From engineering graduates to computer operators, from Central to Tamil Nadu state jobs, reservation policies shape the path to selection. It’s not just about your score—but also your category, documents, skills, and awareness.
Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools. Stay updated. Organize your documentation. And most importantly, develop your skills with platforms like Impacteers, where preparation meets opportunity.
Because success in government jobs today is not just about passing—it’s about preparing smartly, strategically, and confidently.
FAQs
1. What are the latest reservation percentages for Central Government jobs in India?
As of 2025, SC: 15%, ST: 7.5%, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 27%, EWS: 10%, and PwD: 4% (horizontal reservation). These apply to all Central government vacancies unless otherwise stated.
2. Is the Tamil Nadu reservation policy different from Central rules?
Yes. Tamil Nadu follows a separate policy with 69% total reservation including BC, MBC/DNC, SC/ST, and women-specific quotas, which differs from the 50% cap followed at the Central level.
3. How does EWS reservation work in government jobs?
EWS provides 10% reservation for unreserved candidates from economically weaker sections, with income below ₹8 lakh annually and no SC/ST/OBC affiliation. You need a valid certificate each year.
4. Can I apply to reserved posts if I forgot to upload my certificate?
No. Without valid documentation at the time of application or verification, your reservation claim will be rejected, and you’ll be considered in the general category.
5. How does Impacteers help candidates from reserved categories?
Impacteers offers targeted skill assessments, mock exams, and interview prep based on category cut-offs, communication needs, and computer skills. It helps improve job readiness across roles.
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