Maharashtra Introduces 10% EWS Quota In Private Medical Colleges
Maharashtra has implemented a 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in private medical colleges starting from the academic year 2025-26. This decision was announced through the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell’s information brochure. The quota applies to candidates from the general category with an annual family income below Rs 8 lakh. This move has raised concerns among students, parents, and colleges due to the reduction of general category seats without increasing the total number of seats.
Background of EWS Reservation
The EWS reservation was introduced nationally in 2019 through the 103rd Constitutional Amendment. It provides a 10 per cent quota for economically weaker candidates from the general or forward castes. This reservation excludes Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes who have existing quotas. The income threshold for eligibility is Rs 8 lakh per annum, including all income sources like salary, agriculture, and business.
Maharashtra CET Cell Announcement
The Maharashtra CET Cell’s brochure for UG medical admissions states that 10 per cent of seats under the state quota in government, government-aided, corporation, and private unaided institutions (except minority institutions) will be reserved for EWS candidates. This aligns with Article 15(6)(b) of the Constitution, allowing states to make special provisions for EWS admissions in private educational institutions.
Difference from Previous Practices
Previously, private medical colleges in Maharashtra did not have EWS reservations. Candidates meeting EWS income criteria could avail partial or full fee reimbursements but had no seat reservations. The new quota directly affects seat allocation by reserving 10 per cent seats for EWS, reducing seats available to the general category.
Impact on Seat Availability
There are 22 private medical colleges in Maharashtra with a total of 3,120 general category MBBS seats. The 10 per cent EWS reservation will reduce general category seats by about 300. This reduction could increase competition and raise admission cut-offs. Unlike government colleges, which received permission to increase intake to accommodate EWS seats, private colleges have not received such approval yet.
Concerns of Stakeholders
Parents and colleges have expressed concern over the sudden implementation without consultation. Parents worry about increased competition and fee changes. Colleges fear that reduced general seats may lower income from fees, potentially leading to higher fees or new fee heads. The Fee Regulatory Authority fixes fees based on audited income and expenditure, which may be affected by the changed seat matrix.
Regulatory Challenges
Increasing seats in private medical colleges requires approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The Maharashtra CET Cell must seek NMC permission to raise intake, but there is no assurance this will be granted. The government has not indicated plans to request an increase. Legal precedents in other states show courts urging governments to increase seats to accommodate EWS reservations, but implementation varies.
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