JoSAA 2026 EWS Seats — ~6,732 Seats at 10% Reservation

EWS (Economically Weaker Section) candidates have 10% reservation in JoSAA 2026. With 67,323 total seats, approximately 6,732 seats are under EWS reservation. Importantly, EWS reservation is 10% over and above the existing 49.5% reservation — so it doesn't reduce seats for other categories.

EWS reservation is for General category candidates (those not in SC/ST/OBC-NCL) whose family income is less than ₹8 lakh per year AND who do not own: (1) 5 acres or more of agricultural land, (2) A residential flat of 1,000 sq ft or more, (3) A residential plot of 100 sq yards or more in notified municipalities, or (4) A residential plot of 200 sq yards or more in non-notified municipalities.

The income limit for EWS is ₹8 lakh per annum (same as OBC-NCL creamy layer). Family income includes income from all sources — salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc. — for the financial year prior to the year of application.

Yes. EWS reservation (10%) applies at all JoSAA 2026 participating institutes — all IITs, IISc, NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs. This was implemented starting from 2019 admissions following the 103rd Constitutional Amendment.

EWS candidates need an EWS certificate in the prescribed format issued by a competent authority (SDM/Tehsildar/equivalent). The certificate must confirm annual family income below ₹8 lakh and confirm the family does not possess properties exceeding the notified limits. The certificate must be issued for the current financial year.

EWS closing ranks are typically more relaxed than General closing ranks, but less relaxed than OBC-NCL closing ranks. For example, if General CSE at NIT Trichy closes at rank 3,500 and OBC-NCL at 12,000, EWS may close around 8,000–10,000. EWS candidates should check historical data and use the College Predictor for personalized estimates.