In April 2025, the Andhra Pradesh government promulgated an ordinance to implement the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs), aiming to distribute the 15% reservation quota more equitably among various sub-groups. This move followed a August 2024 Supreme Court judgment permitting states to sub-classify SCs for better social justice.
Here are the key details of the SC classification ordinance in Andhra Pradesh:
1. Structure of the Sub-Classification
The state government divided the 59 listed Scheduled Castes into three distinct groups, with the 15% total reservation quota split as follows:
- Group I (Most Backward – 12 Castes): 1% Reservation.
- Group II (Backward – 18 Castes): 6.5% Reservation.
- Group III (Other SCs – 29 Castes): 7.5% Reservation.
mplementation Mechanism
- 200-Point Roster System: A 200-point roster system is adopted, operating in two cycles (1-100 points per cycle) to ensure proper distribution of seats in educational institutions and public employment.
- In Andhra Pradesh, the 200-point roster system has been specifically adapted to include the sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SC) into three distinct groups: Group-I, Group-II, and Group-III. This system operates in two cycles of 100 points each
- The following table details the specific roster points assigned to each SC sub-group within the two 100-point cycles of a 200-point roster.
SC Sub-Group
Cycle 1 (Points 1–100)
Cycle 2 (Points 101–200)*
Group-I
2
102
Group-II
7, 22, 41, 52, 66, 77
107, 122, 141, 152, 166, 177, 197
Group-III
16, 27, 47, 62, 72, 87, 91, 97
116, 127, 147, 162, 172, 187, 191
*Note: Cycle 2 points are derived by adding 100 to the second cycle’s 1-100 numbering scheme defined in official ordinances - Key Rules & Implementation
- Rotational Allocation: In the second cycle, point 97 (roster point 197) is specifically earmarked for Group-II to ensure the prescribed reservation percentages are met for both Group-II and Group-III.
- Horizontal Reservation: A 33 1/3% horizontal reservation for women is applied within each sub-group. If a woman candidate is not available by the 3rd cycle at a specific point (e.g., Point 2 for Group-I), an eligible woman candidate must be considered regardless of seniority to fulfill the quota.
- Carry Forward: If eligible candidates from a specific SC group are unavailable in a panel year, the vacancy is carried forward to the next panel year for the same specific group.
- Applicability: The reservation applies to appointments in public services (government, local authorities) and admissions to educational institutions.
- Promotions (GO 127): The government issued AP SC Reservation Amendment 2025 GO 127 to implement these sub-classifications in promotions, effective April 2025.
3. Background
- One-Man Commission: The decision was based on recommendations from a commission led by retired IAS officer Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.
- Goal: The primary aim is to ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most marginalized communities among the SC group, particularly focusing on communities like Madigas who have argued that other groups were dominating the quotas.
- Political Response: The move was largely welcomed by organizations like the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS).
Key Details on SC Sub-Categorisation (2025):
- Groups & Allocation:
- Group I (Most Backward – 12 Castes): 1% reservation.
- Group II (Backward – 18 Castes): 6.5% reservation.
- Group III (Less Backward – 29 Castes): 7.5% reservation.
- Implementation Date: The new rules are effective from April 18, 2025.
- Promotion Rules: The reservation applies to promotion, with a 200-point roster system adopted for these groups in public services, as detailed in.
- Vacancy Handling: If qualified candidates are unavailable, the vacancy is carried forward. If no candidates are available in the second year, the vacancy is filled by another group (Group I to II to III).
- Action Required: SC candidates are required to update their One Time Profile Registration (OTPR) on the APPSC website with their specific sub-category group.
Key Government Orders (G.O.s):
- G.O. Ms. No. 7, Social Welfare (CV) Dept: Issued on April 18, 2025, for sub-classification implementation.
- G.O. Ms. No. 46, General Administration (Ser-D) Dept: Issued on April 19, 2025.
- G.O. Ms. No. 19, Social Welfare (CV) Dept: Issued on June 18, 2025, relating to promotions.
- APGENCO G.O.O. No. 76/JS(Per)/2025: Dated June 19, 2025, specifically adopting these rules for promotions.
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For more information, the full Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes (Sub-classification) Ordinance is available on the AP government porta