Difference between "Creamy layer" and "Non Creamy layer'

In our country, the residents are classified in different categories depending on various factors such as general category, Scheduled Classes, etc. One such category is Other Backward Classes (OBC). This group of people is considered to be socially and educationally backward. For such reason, the government extent continuous efforts towards them in varied modes to help them grow and develop.

The OBC category is further Subcategorized into “Creamy Layer” and “Non-Creamy Layer” to secure social justice among all the communities' sections. Also, to ensure fair opportunities are distributed to the weaker sections among backward classes. This article can help illuminate different categories of Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Creamy Layer:

The individuals covered under this category are more educated and better off than other members of the OBC category. Such individuals are treated as a part of the General Category. This categorization is based on the status of the parents of the individuals. 

Where parents hold the below-mentioned post:

• Constitutional posts.
• Service category:
• Group A/class I service officers of All India Central and State Services (direct recruitment).
• Group B/class II of Central/State Services (direct recruitment).
• Employees of PSU, holding the comparable or equivalent post of Group A and B.
• In service of Armed forces
• Professional class and those engaged in trade, business, and industry (covered under specified income criteria)
• The annual income of Parents is more than rupees eight lakhs. It does not include income from agriculture or farming.

The parents' children holding the above-mentioned post will be covered under creamy layer OBC.

Non-creamy Layer:

• The OBC non-creamy layer income limit is specified to be less than eight lakh rupees for the parents of the candidate. Income earned from agriculture or farming is not included in such income.
• The candidate's parents are not employed under constitutional posts, Group A/class I or Group B/class II.
• The parents of the individual are employed under Group C/D under the central government.
• Where a woman’s husband is employed under the Central Government, but her parents do not receive such income. She is also covered under the Non-Creamy Layer category.=
• Where an individual (himself/herself) is employed under group B category under central government but such individual’s parents do not receive such income.

The candidates can obtain the OBC non-creamy layer certificate online by filing the non-creamy layer certificate application form and the necessary documents.

What benefits are available to one category of OBC over the other?

This is not true that all the individuals belonging to the OBC category are eligible for equal benefits provided by the government. The benefits extended towards the OBC category are not available to the "creamy layer", as the creamy layer is considered equivalent to the general category.

The advantages available to “Non-Creamy Layer” includes:

• Reservation of 27% in Government Jobs and Government institutes 
• Relaxation is available in various examinations like UPSC Civil Services Exam regarding the upper age limit.
• Relaxation in regards to the number of attempts for exams and cut-off marks.