SC Orders OBC Quota in Chandigarh Institutions: A Phased Rollout
The Supreme Court on August 1, 2025, directed the implementation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservations in educational institutions across Chandigarh. This landmark decision aims to address historical inequities in access to higher education.
The court mandated a phased approach, beginning with a 3% reservation for the 2025-26 academic year. This quota will gradually increase by 4% annually, culminating in a 27% reservation for OBCs within six years.
The ruling, however, provides clarity regarding existing admission processes. The OBC reservation will apply only to admissions where the counselling process has not yet commenced. For admissions already completed, the order will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic year.
This decision holds significant implications for aspiring students from OBC communities in Chandigarh, offering them enhanced opportunities for higher education and potentially impacting the social and economic landscape of the Union Territory. The phased implementation allows for a smooth transition and minimizes potential disruptions to the existing academic calendar.
