CREAMY LAYER (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

THEIASHUB
Get an Instant Call Back from Our Expert Mentors Now!
+91

Context: The Supreme Court has approved the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to grant separate quotas for more backward groups within these communities. The Court also urged the State to develop a policy to identify and exclude the "creamy layer" from these affirmative action benefits.


Creamy Layer

  • Origin of the Concept: The ‘creamy layer’ concept emerged from the landmark Indra Sawhney ruling in 1992.
  • Definition: The creamy layer refers to the more socially, economically, and educationally advanced members within the OBCs, excluded from reservation benefits to ensure the support reaches those in greater need.
  • Background of OBC Reservation: On August 13, 1990, the V P Singh government implemented a 27% reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (OBCs) in civil posts and services, following the Mandal Commission's recommendations.
  • Supreme Court Ruling: Indra Sawhney challenged this reservation in the Supreme Court, leading to a ruling on November 16, 1992, where a nine-judge Bench upheld the 27% reservation but mandated the exclusion of the creamy layer.
  • Distinction from Sub-classification: The creamy layer is distinct from sub-classification, which involves breaking down reserved categories like SC based on additional socio-economic criteria, while the creamy layer specifically denotes a more affluent segment within a community.

Criteria for Identifying the Creamy Layer Among OBCs

  • Expert Committee Formation: An expert committee led by retired Justice Ram Nandan Prasad determined the criteria for identifying the creamy layer, following the Indra Sawhney judgement.
  • Six categories were identified:

o Constitutional/statutory post holders

o Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ officers, PSU and statutory body employees, and university staff

o Colonels and above in armed forces and equivalent in paramilitary forces

o Professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.)

o Property owners with significant holdings

o Income/wealth tax assesses.

  • Broad Categories: Creamy layer is categorized into individuals based on parents' employment in government service or private sector, with distinctions in determination criteria based on income and rank.
  • Income Threshold: Initially set at Rs 1 lakh per annum with triennial revisions; updated to Rs 8 lakh in 2017 with no further changes. A recommendation in 2015 suggested increasing it to Rs 15 lakh, but no action was taken.
  • Government Service Criteria: Children of Group-A officers or those promoted to this rank before age 40, or of colonels and higher ranks, are considered in the creamy layer.


QEP Premium 2025 (B5)
QEP Premium 2025 (B5)
Buy now
Fill out form for more details
I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
Buy now



Join theIAShub’s Mains Answer Writing Program

Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.

Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !

I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi, UPSC Online & Offline Classes by IAShub

Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.

UPSC Online Classes by IAShub

IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.

Key Offerings Provided by IAShub

Here are some important services provided by IAShub:

  • UPSC Prelims: IAShub teaches for Prelims with a focus on basics. It also gives daily current affairs and monthly magazines.
  • Classroom Courses: IAShub has classroom learning for students in Delhi. The environment is good and peaceful for study.
  • Live Classes: Students who live far can join live UPSC online classes. These classes are just like real classes.
  • QEP for Mains: The Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) is special for Mains preparation. It helps students write better and faster.
  • Answer Writing: Regular answer writing practice is given. Teachers also check answers and give tips to improve.
  • Free Resource: IAShub gives free notes by toppers and helpful Main Booster material.
  • Test Series: Test series are available for every subject. These help students know their weak points and improve.
  • Interview Guidance Session: IAShub also gives interview practice sessions with experts. These help students feel confident.

UPSC Exam Overview

The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:

  • Prelims: It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
  • Mains: It has nine papers, including essays and optional subjects.
  • Interview: It tests the personality and confidence of the student.

This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.

How IAShub Helps in the UPSC Journey

IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.

Best IAS Coaching In Delhi FAQs

Yes, IAShub offers live and recorded online classes. Students can attend from any part of India.

Classes are available in both English and Hindi, so students can choose the language they are comfortable with.

The classroom centre is located in Delhi. Students can visit and join offline batches there.

IAShub gives interview guidance sessions to help students prepare for the final round of UPSC.