What is creamy layer and non creamy layer

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Detailed Solution

In India’s OBC (Other Backward Classes) policy, the “creamy layer” refers to socially advanced persons within OBCs who are excluded from reservation benefits because their parents’ status (high-ranking posts/professions) or family income indicates sufficient advancement. The concept comes from the Supreme Court’s Indra Sawhney (1992) judgment, later implemented through Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) orders.

“Non-creamy layer (NCL)” are OBC members who do not fall in those exclusion criteria; they are eligible for OBC reservation in central jobs and admissions, subject to being in the Central List of OBCs. Note: while income is a key test, salary and agricultural income are excluded from the income calculation for this purpose; parental service class and certain positions can independently place a family in the creamy layer.

Always check your caste in the Central List and keep a valid OBC-NCL certificate in the prescribed format for central institutions.

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