UPSC Notes

Reservation Policy in India

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

It's a cornerstone of India's social justice framework, frequently debated, challenged in courts, and subject to policy changes, directly impacting social equity, governance, and federal relations.

Reservation policy in India is a form of affirmative action designed to improve the representation of historically disadvantaged groups, primarily Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), in education, employment, and legislative bodies. It aims to address historical injustices and promote social equality as enshrined in the Constitution.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Articles 15(4), 15(5), 16(4), 16(4A), 16(4B), 330, 332, 335.

50% Cap

Established by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), limiting total reservation to 50% except in extraordinary circumstances.

State Implementation

States implement their own reservation laws, often leading to legal challenges regarding the 50% cap.

Purpose

To ensure adequate representation and promote social justice for marginalized communities.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance
Conceptual areaSocial Justice

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Supreme Court of IndiaInterprets and sets precedents
High CourtsAdjudicates state-level challenges
State GovernmentsFormulates and implements state-specific policies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Affirmative action for SCs, STs, OBCs in education and employment.
  • Key constitutional articles: 15(4), 16(4).
  • Indra Sawhney case (1992) established the 50% reservation cap.
  • State laws often challenge the 50% cap, leading to judicial review.
  • Aims to ensure adequate representation and social justice.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & GovernanceSocial Justice

SC/ST quota medical seats in Karnataka see sharp decline after reconfiguration of reservation matrix

03 Sep 2026 · India's reservation policy, rooted in constitutional provisions, aims to uplift SCs, STs, and OBCs through quotas in education and jobs. Key aspects include the 50% cap (Indra Sawhney case), state-level implementation challenges, and ongoing judicial scrutiny, often involving the High Courts and Supreme Court.

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Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Reservation Policy in India in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Reservation Policy in India

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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