Reservation Quota in Maharashtra

The reservation quota in Maharashtra incorporates a diverse range of criteria beyond the conventional categories of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). In addition to these categories, specific provisions cater to Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), Special Backward Classes (SBC), Nomadic Tribes (NT), and even orphans. 

In alignment with central government mandates, the state has adopted enhanced reservation percentages to ensure broader inclusivity, with considerations extending to educational institutions, government bodies, and electoral constituencies. This article explores the reservation policy in Maharashtra, aiming to facilitate access to education, jobs, and entrance exams for underprivileged groups, to foster equal opportunities in society.

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Reservation Quota in Maharashtra: Latest Updates

In recent times, Maharashtra's reservation quota has undergone substantial revisions, all aimed at fostering greater inclusivity within the state's reservation policy. Notably, the latest updates encompass several key changes, including:

• On February 20, 2024, the Maharashtra Assembly approved a bill introduced by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
• The Bill Grants 10% reservation in government jobs and education to the Maratha community
• Bill named Maharashtra State Reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Bill, 2024
• In Maharashtra's total 52% reservation, with the addition of the latest bill has now amounted to 62%.

Reservation Quota in Maharashtra for Employment 

Currently, the reservation in the state stands at 52%, and the added 10% from the new bill has now amounted to 62%. View the table below for a comprehensive overview of the distribution of the reservation quota in Maharashtra for Employment:

The distribution of the reservation quota includes 13% for Scheduled Castes, 7% for Scheduled Tribes, 19% for OBCs, 2% for Special Backward Classes, 3% for Vimukta Jati, 2.5% for Nomadic Tribe (B), 3.5% for Nomadic Tribe (C) Dhangar, and 2% for Nomadic Tribe (D) Vanjari. Additionally, there exists a separate 10% quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) applicable to the non-reserved section of the population, regardless of caste and religion, with an annual income limit of INR 8 lakh. 

Key Points to Remember for Reservation Quota in Maharashtra for Employment 

• The government and public sector recruit job seekers from two categories: reservation and open.
• Reservation category includes SC, ST, OBC, EWC, and other minorities.
• Open category comprises General, SC, ST, OBC, EWC, and other minorities.
• Priority is given to the reservation category.
• Focus on ensuring 33% reservation for women.
• Preference within the reservation category is for Other Minorities women, ST women, SC women, ST men, SC men, OBC women, OBC men, EWS women, and EWS men.
• Hiring from the open category occurs only after considering candidates from the reservation category.

Reservation Quota in Maharashtra for Education

In alignment with the new bill, the Bill Grants 10% reservation in government jobs and education to the Maratha community. Check out the table below for a detailed breakdown of the reservation quota distribution in Maharashtra for Education:

Key Points to Remember for Reservation Quota in Maharashtra for Education

• Universities allocate seats based on reservation percentages from two categories: reservation and Open.
• Reservation category includes SC, ST, OBC, EWC, and other minorities.
• Open category comprises General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and other minorities.
• Priority is given to the reservation category.
• This includes a 33% reservation for women.
• Following the 33% reservation for women, priority is given to Other Minorities women, ST women, SC women, ST Men, SC Men, OBC women, OBC Men, EWC Women, and EWC Men.
• Government Universities also follow a similar priority sequence.
• Reservation percentages are considered for entrance exam fees, cut-off marks, seat allotment, and other schemes.

Reservation Quota in Maharashtra for Entrance Exams

Every year, the Maharashtra State Government Entrance Test Cell administers the MHT CET 2024, through which successful candidates gain admission to various programs in Engineering and Technology, Medical, and Pharmacy.  The percentage of seats reserved for candidates from backward class categories in Maharashtra State under the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) is as follows:

All reservations mentioned below apply solely to candidates belonging to Maharashtra State, contingent upon fulfilling the eligibility criteria outlined by respective authorities. Backward class candidates must specify their category at the time of submitting the application form for CAP.

Reservation for Persons with Disability Candidates

• 5% of total CAP seats are reserved for candidates with ≥40% benchmark disability.
• Disabilities covered: locomotor, intellectual, leprosy-cured, specific learning, cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, etc.
• Single merit list for all eligible candidates.
• Disability seats allotted based on inter-se merit.
• Available for Maharashtra domiciled candidates in HU/SL seats.
• Candidates must submit certificates proving ≥40% disability, issued by competent authorities.

Reservation for EWS and Orphan Candidates

• 10% of seats reserved for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates.
• Reserved seats filled through CAP as per Government policies.
• This reservation is in addition to the sanctioned intake for the course.
• 1% of CAP seats reserved for Orphan Candidates.
• Excludes Minority institutions and All India Seats.
• Filled by Competent Authority through CAP according to Government policies.

Reservation for Defence Service Personnel's Children

• Maximum of 5 seats per institute under CAP allocated reserved for:
• Children of ex-service personnel domiciled in Maharashtra State (DEF-1).
• Children of active service personnel domiciled in Maharashtra State (DEF-2).
• Children of active service personnel (DEF-3) transferred to Maharashtra State but not domiciled there, or whose families are stationed in Maharashtra State for children's education.
• Eligible candidates must have passed HSC (Std.XII) examination from a Maharashtra State Board school/college.
• These seats are considered State Level seats within the sanctioned intake capacity.
• Combined single merit list prepared for DEF1, DEF2 & DEF3 candidates.
• Admission based solely on inter-se-merit from the combined list.

Key Points to Remember for Reservation Quota in Maharashtra Entrance Exams

• The reservation policy delineates the allocation of seats across categories and the distribution mechanism in government and private institutions participating in the MH CET legislation 2024 admission process. 
• Candidates from all over India applying for the MH CET legislation 2024 fall under the open category, indicating that no seats are specifically reserved for them, regardless of social caste.

Reservation of Seats in Government/Government Aided Colleges in Maharashtra

Admission to the graduate and postgraduate full-time degree courses in Engineering/Technology and other courses involves the distribution of available seats through CAP across various types of institutes in Maharashtra. Additionally, the allocation includes seats designated for institute-level admission and those specifically reserved for Minority communities. The allocation and Reservation of seats in Government and Government Aided Colleges in Maharashtra are stated in the table below:

In conclusion, the reservation quota system in Maharashtra embodies a comprehensive approach to encompass various socially and educationally backward classes, nomadic tribes, and even orphans. With the recent bill granting 10% reservation to the Maratha community, the total reservation percentage now stands at 62%. This inclusive policy aims to provide equitable access to education, employment, and entrance exams for underprivileged groups, reflecting the state's commitment to fostering equal opportunities and societal inclusivity.

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