Creamy Layer and Non Creamy Layer of OBC

Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer of Other Backward Classes are a vital part of OBC. These are considered as the government’s way to reach out to the last group of the OBC community and help to lower the unemployment rate. 

What is the Creamy Layer of OBC?

In the context of the UPSC Civil Service Exam, the creamy layer is also known as the forward class. It is also known as upper caste and backward castes in India. The creamy layer of OBC refers to those Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who have a qualifying academic qualification like a high school degree or equivalent. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are backward classes in India and Indians belonging to these cases have been classified as Other Backward Classes OBC by the Government of India. The creamy layer or forward classes occupy a prestigious position in Indian society due to their educational qualifications, dominance in high-end jobs such as IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.

What is the Non-Creamy Layer of OBC?

A non-creamy layer of OBC refers to backward castes and tribes who either have no educational qualification or their academic qualification is not equivalent to a high school degree. According to the government notification, a non-Creamy layer of OBC includes all other castes and tribes, which are backward in the criteria for the promotion. Therefore, these castes are non-creamy layers. In other words, it does not contain the Creamy layer of OBC because they do not have a qualifying education qualification.

Significance of Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer

The cream layer and non-Creamy layer of OBC are the two important factors that are used by UPSC to differentiate the backward classes. It is not only required by this recruitment board but also it is being followed by many other state governments including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and many more. For Class 10th Pass/Matriculation pass students it is a big challenge to satisfy their eligibility for OBC promotion into IAS or IFS. The creamy layer and a non-creamy layer of OBC play an important role in the UPSC recruitment process. More and more job seekers are coming to know about this concept and are interested to become a part of the UPSC. So if you are also looking for a government job, the creamy layer and non-creamy layer of OBC is the best recruiting tool for you.

Difference between Creamy Layer and Non-Creamy Layer

1) Non-Creamy Layer of OBC are those castes and tribes who do not have any educational qualifications. The creamy layer of OBC is calculated based on a percentage of the total population in India belonging to a particular caste. Therefore, the creamy layer has upper-caste status in Indian society.

2) Non-creamy layer varies from state to state. It depends on the number of seats available for that particular category for Government jobs in that particular state. Whereas, the creamy layer does not vary from State to State and remains the same throughout India for all the states.

3) Income limit in the Creamy layer is above 8 Lakhs and the income limit in the non-creamy layer is below 8 Lakhs.

4) The creamy layer of OBC has no education qualification as it falls in the bracket of forwarding class in India. Whereas, the non-creamy layer has educational qualifications equivalent to a high school degree or equivalent.

5) Non-creamy layer cannot get admission in IITs or IIM’s through reservation quota whereas the creamy layer can get admission in these prestigious institutes through the reservation category of OBC during the IIT and IIM counseling days.

6) The creamy layer is eligible for the job in the post of Civil services of India. Whereas, the non-creamy layer is eligible for the job in posts of Indian Forest Services and Indian Railway Services.

7) The creamy layer is an important aspect and usually gets more jobs, not due to its qualification but because they are upper caste members and have more influence than others. As a result, they get a better chance at getting admission in IITs and IIM’s through reservation quota. 

Conclusion

The difference between OBC and creamy layer is a significant point for job seekers. It is the main aspect that separates the cream layer and non-creamy layer of OBC. Therefore, if you are a job seeker and are looking for UPSC recruitment then keep in mind the difference between them and decide accordingly.