[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.
(This includes major Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, West Bengal).
[28] However, on 7 January 2019, the Union Council of Ministers approved 10% reservation for the forward castes in government jobs and educational institutions.