OBC Caste List in Rajasthan 2025

Constitutional & Institutional Basis

• The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is a constitutional body under Article 338B. It maintains the central list of OBCs, and advises on inclusion/deletions.
• Each state also frames its own list of backward classes, and the state government issues notifications based on caste-commission recommendations, social surveys, etc.
• For state government jobs, education, and other welfare schemes, the state’s OBC list is crucial.

Rajasthan’s OBC List

• The central list of OBCs for Rajasthan is published and maintained by NCBC / the central government. For example, the “Central List of OBCs for the State of Rajasthan” is available as an official document.
• As of April 2018, Rajasthan’s central OBC list had 69 entries (caste/community names + synonyms/sub-groups)
• Meanwhile, the State Government of Rajasthan publishes its own “List of Caste OBC” through its Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
• Some castes (or sub-groups) appear only in the state list and are not part of the central list, reflecting differences in backwardness in state context or historical inclusion.

Central List for Rajasthan

• The Central List of OBCs maintained by NCBC includes castes/communities in Rajasthan that are eligible for central government reservation benefits.
• As of the latest published list, Rajasthan has 69 entries in the central OBC list.
• A PDF notification titled “Central List of OBCs for the State of Rajasthan” lists each caste/community, along with resolution numbers and dates.

State List of OBC

• The Rajasthan state’s Social Justice & Empowerment Department publishes a list “Backward Classes in Rajasthan” on its official portal.
• The state’s list largely mirrors the central list but may include additional communities or sub-subcastes, and may exclude some that the central list includes (depending on state policy).

Social Equity & Representation

• The OBC list is a tool for corrective justice, helping historically disadvantaged communities gain access to education, government jobs, and social welfare.
• For Rajasthan, where there is considerable caste diversity and social stratification, the list ensures that many artisanal, nomadic, pastoral, and agricultural communities have legal recognition as backward.

Reservation in Education and Employment

One of the primary purposes of the OBC list is to grant reservation benefits in:

• Government jobs
• Educational institutions
• Competitive examinations

This ensures that people from backward communities have fair representation and access to opportunities for upward mobility.

Access to Government Welfare Schemes

Communities included in the OBC list are eligible for various state and central welfare schemes, such as:

• Scholarships for OBC students
• Financial assistance for self-employment
• Housing and health benefits
• Skill development programs

These schemes aim to uplift the socio-economic status of OBC families in Rajasthan.

Reduction of Economic Inequality

The OBC caste list allows targeted implementation of economic support measures, ensuring that benefits reach those who need them most. It helps bridge the income gap between backward and forward communities in both rural and urban areas.

Political Representation

The inclusion of castes in the OBC list also impacts political representation. Many local and state-level bodies have reserved seats for OBC members, ensuring that the voices of marginalized groups are heard in decision-making processes.

Reclassification & Intra-OBC Competition

• Moving castes from OBC to MBC (or vice versa) changes their position in the reservation hierarchy, often creating friction among communities over relative priority and share.
• Some communities feel their quota share has been diluted or threatened by such reclassification.

Inclusion / Exclusion Disputes

• Some castes demand inclusion into the OBC list; others fear exclusion. Deciding which castes merit inclusion is subject to social, political, and evidence-based debate.
• For instance, Sidh / Siddh community is included in the state OBC list in Rajasthan (for state benefits), but not in the central OBC list for Rajasthan.

Regional / District Variations & Exceptions

• Some communities may be included in certain districts and excluded in others (based on demographic or socio-economic factors).
• The Jat community is an example: Jats of Rajasthan (except those in Bharatpur and Dholpur districts) are included in the central OBC list in Rajasthan.

Legal & Constitutional Scrutiny

• The classification of communities for reservation is often subject to challenges in courts (High Courts, Supreme Court), especially when communities argue their exclusion is unconstitutional or unfair.
• The 27 % OBC reservation at the national level is also under judicial review in certain states. (Though not Rajasthan-specific, it’s part of the overall legal climate.)

Implementation & Certificate Issues

• Even when a caste is legally recognized as OBC, individuals must obtain valid caste / backward class certificates (issued by competent authorities) to avail the benefits.
• Discrepancies, delays, fraud, or lack of awareness cause many eligible persons to fail in getting benefits.