News for 'obc category'

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Fadnavis rules out taking OBC share for Maratha quota

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the government would grant Maratha reservation only within constitutional limits and without impacting the share of other communities, amidst activist Manoj Jarange's ongoing hunger strike for OBC status for Marathas.

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

CSE 2025: SC to hear Centre plea on OBC creamy-layer rule

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

The Supreme Court will consider the Centre's plea for clarification on the applicability of its March 11 judgement regarding OBC creamy-layer criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The government highlights practical difficulties and potential unequal treatment of candidates if the ruling is applied retrospectively, as the CSE 2025 selection process concluded before the verdict. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation based on the pre-March 11 criteria to avoid disruption to training schedules and ensure fairness for candidates.

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

SC to set up special bench on OBC creamy-layer criteria

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to constitute a special bench to address the Centre's plea regarding the applicability of its March 11 judgment on OBC creamy-layer criteria to candidates of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) seeks to proceed with service allocation for 958 recommended candidates based on the creamy-layer determination applied before the verdict, citing potential unequal treatment and disruption to training schedules.

10% or 20%, Maratha quota must be under OBC category: Jarange

10% or 20%, Maratha quota must be under OBC category: Jarange

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Speaking to reporters at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, the activist said he would wait and see if the state government converts its draft notification on 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Marathas into law and then decide on the course of his agitation.

Admissions (OBC category) to MBA programme

Admissions (OBC category) to MBA programme

Rediff.com1 Jul 2008

Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management announces admissions to MBA Programme (OBC Category).

Jarange accuses Fadnavis of 'deceiving' Marathas, accepts IV fluids

Jarange accuses Fadnavis of 'deceiving' Marathas, accepts IV fluids

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has accused Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and cabinet colleague Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil of deceiving the Maratha community on the reservation issue, even as he accepted IV fluids on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike due to deteriorating health.

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

After 1,123 days, tent and stage at Maratha protest epicentre dismantled

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The protest site at Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtra's Jalna district, which served as the epicentre for the Maratha reservation agitation led by Manoj Jarange, has been dismantled after 1,123 days. Local residents and the sarpanch decided to remove the tent and stage to facilitate daily activities and traffic movement, marking the end of a significant chapter in the three-year-long demand for OBC quota for the Maratha community.

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Maratha quota stir: Jarange warns of march to Mumbai over Kunbi certificate

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange on Sunday stood firm on his demand for Kunbi caste certificates for all Marathas as his indefinite hunger strike entered the second day, warning that he would march to Mumbai if the Maharashtra government failed to act.

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has agreed to take water and saline treatment but vowed to continue his indefinite fast until all demands for Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates are met. His health is deteriorating, prompting concerns from doctors and appeals from authorities. Jarange criticised the state government and mediating ministers, alleging political infighting and a lack of serious engagement on the issue.

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Jarange Patil to begin indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from Sept 19

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

Activist Manoj Jarange announced an indefinite hunger strike in Mumbai from September 19 for Maratha reservation in jobs and education. He will lead a march from September 15, covering various districts before reaching Azad Maidan. Jarange urged peaceful protest and accused the government of inaction on caste certificates, while the Bombay High Court upheld the right to protest. The core demand is for Marathas to be included in the OBC category via Kunbi records, a move opposed by existing OBC groups.

NEET Round 3: What Are Options For Medical Aspirants?

NEET Round 3: What Are Options For Medical Aspirants?

Rediff.com3 days ago

With NEET Round 3 allotments concluded, medical aspirants are now evaluating their options, including participation in stray rounds, understanding penalties for not joining allotted seats, and exploring private or deemed university admissions.

CSIR-UGC NET Registration Begins

CSIR-UGC NET Registration Begins

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting Joint CSIR-UGC NET, a national-level examination to determine the eligibility of Indian candidates for various academic and research opportunities at Indian universities and colleges through the computer based test (CBT) mode. These include the junior research fellowship (JRF), appointment as an assistant professor, eligibility for both assistant professor positions and PhD admission and admission to PhD programmes.

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.

9% students reported suicidal thoughts, 15% felt overwhelmed: SC panel

9% students reported suicidal thoughts, 15% felt overwhelmed: SC panel

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A nationwide survey by a Supreme Court-appointed panel reveals that 15% of higher education students felt overwhelmed or distressed, and 9% experienced suicidal thoughts in the past six months. The findings, part of an upcoming report, highlight deep-rooted social discrimination, academic pressures, and inadequate counselling services contributing to mental health concerns and rising student suicides in Indian Higher Educational Institutions.

NEET-PG 2026: 5,827 New Seats, Lower Cut-Offs

NEET-PG 2026: 5,827 New Seats, Lower Cut-Offs

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Postgraduate medical aspirants get big relief in NEET-PG 2026 as available seats rise to nearly 58,000 and cut-off scores drop significantly across categories. Here is what candidates should know before counselling begins.

Bhujbal convenes OBC leaders' meet amid Jarange's Maratha quota stir

Bhujbal convenes OBC leaders' meet amid Jarange's Maratha quota stir

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal has convened a meeting of OBC leaders to discuss Manoj Jarange's demand for Maratha reservations under the OBC category.

We are ready to give up reservations if...: Athawale

We are ready to give up reservations if...: Athawale

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stated that opposing reservation is unconstitutional and that the policy would be given up if casteism is eliminated. He highlighted the historical context of reservations for SC/ST and OBCs, and the Modi government's EWS quota. Athawale also criticised the opposition, praised government achievements, and discussed various welfare schemes and infrastructure projects in Chhattisgarh.

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

UP Scholarship 2026: Eligibility, Last Date, How To Apply

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The UP Scholarship, officially known as the Uttar Pradesh Scholarship and Fee Reimbursement Scheme, provides financial assistance to students from Classes 9 to 12 as well as those pursuing graduation, post-graduation, diploma and other post-matric courses.

NEET-PG 2026 Results, Cutoffs Declared

NEET-PG 2026 Results, Cutoffs Declared

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Scorecards and answer key will be available for download on the NBEMS website from October 1.

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Now, OBC activist threatens protests over Maratha quota

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced forming a committee to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with historical evidence of their Kunbi heritage, a social group classified as an OBC in the state.

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

'Nothing wrong if a Muslim...': Amruta Fadnavis differs with VHP

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has stated that festivals like Navratri are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslim individuals attending the celebrations, despite the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to bar Muslims from such events and BJP leader Nitesh Rane's support for the ban.

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Jarange's 'final agitation' for Maratha quota begins

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

Quota activist Manoj Jarange has launched an indefinite hunger strike, demanding that the Maharashtra government immediately issue caste certificates based on the 58 lakh Kunbi records identified earlier, asserting that the Maratha community will not grant any further time.

IIT suicide toll crosses 170 in 20 years, 70% deaths in last decade

IIT suicide toll crosses 170 in 20 years, 70% deaths in last decade

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

As many as 171 students of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) died by suicide or unnatural death over the last two decades, with around 70 percent of the deaths recorded in the last 10 years, according to an IIT alumni group.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Amid quota row, OBC activist's car set on fire in Maha

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The upper portion of the vehicle was damaged before locals rushed to the spot and helped douse the flames.

NEET 2026: Why More Seats Are Available In Round 2

NEET 2026: Why More Seats Are Available In Round 2

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

The comparisons show where last year's cutoffs are still a usable guide and where you need to reset your expectations before Round 2.

Yogi minister breaks down at rally, threatens to quit over SC status demand

Yogi minister breaks down at rally, threatens to quit over SC status demand

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad threatened to resign if the Nishad community is not granted Scheduled Caste status. He made the announcement during a rally in Gorakhpur, where he also criticised previous governments for neglecting the community.

Maratha quota GR will not affect OBC rights: Fadnavis

Maratha quota GR will not affect OBC rights: Fadnavis

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Maratha quota GR will not affect the rights of the Other Backward Classes and asserted that 'bogus' persons would not be allowed to avail benefits meant for the segment.

SC relief for Bengal as HC order halting OBC list put on hold

SC relief for Bengal as HC order halting OBC list put on hold

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has stayed the Calcutta High Court's decision that stalled the implementation of a revised list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in West Bengal, providing relief to the state government.

OBCs will hit streets if....: Maha minister Bhujbal on Maratha quota

OBCs will hit streets if....: Maha minister Bhujbal on Maratha quota

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Minister Chhagan Bhujbal opposes including Marathas in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota, citing limited reservation available for existing OBC communities and warning of potential protests if their share is reduced.

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other civic bodies in the state were held on January 15.

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

'Creamy layer' not applicable to SC/ST reservations, govt tells SC

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the 'creamy layer' principle, which excludes affluent individuals from reservation benefits, does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This stance opposes Public Interest Litigations (PILs) seeking to implement such a principle for SC/ST reservations and to direct the government to formulate policies for more equitable distribution of reservation benefits.

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

NEET Medical Counselling: Get Your Paperwork Right!

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Many students who do well in the NEET exams miss out on a medical seat because they didn't get their documentation in order. You don't want to be that student, says Ashok Hegde.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

HC refuses to stay issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas

HC refuses to stay issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with OBC antecedents. Petitions challenging the decision were filed by OBC individuals, but the court declined immediate relief, pending a response from the government.

Plea in SC seeks OBC certificate for kids of single moms

Plea in SC seeks OBC certificate for kids of single moms

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

"Considering the importance of the matter, subject to the order of the Chief Justice of India, the matter be placed for final hearing on July 22," the bench said.

How To Get A Rs 14 LPA Package After Engineering

How To Get A Rs 14 LPA Package After Engineering

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

'There is no college that can guarantee a Rs 14 lakh per annum (LPA) package,' clarifies rediffGURU Chocko Valliappa.

SC questions need for quota for children of well-to-do OBC families

SC questions need for quota for children of well-to-do OBC families

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has questioned the continued provision of reservation benefits to children from economically and educationally advanced families within backward classes, highlighting concerns about social mobility and fairness.

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Plea in SC challenges definition of caste discrimination in UGC rules

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging a University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation, alleging it has a non-inclusionary definition of caste-based discrimination and excludes certain categories from institutional protection.

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

NEET-PG 2026: What Happened To The Zero Percentile Policy?

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

One of the most important provisions this year is that qualifying NEET-PG does not automatically guarantee participation in counselling.