Forward caste

[citation needed] As of 2007[update], forward castes had to compete only in the open category, as they are considered socially, educationally, and economically advanced.

Due to rigorous demand and the relative financial weakness of the people of the General category, the Government of India introduced 10% as EWS quota for them, which makes their total reservation to 10%.

[6] Before 2019, forward castes were only allowed to compete for seats in the unreserved category in educational institutions and central government jobs, regardless of their educational/economical status in society.

State and central governments have not released adequate data regarding the representation of various communities in their services and admissions to educational institutions.

(This includes major Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal).

Rural landholding pattern of various social groups calculated by National Sample Survey 99-00 indicate that OBC and forward castes are comparable in wealth