As OFSS (Online Facilitation System for Students) Bihar opens admissions for Class 11 in 2026, reservation remains a key concern. In particular, how the categories SC, ST, OBC (or BC/EBC) and EWS are handled may affect tens of thousands of students across the state. Against a background of legal challenges to quota expansion, this article explains what the rules are now, the documentary requirements, and the likely impact for applicants.
Reservation Rules in OFSS Bihar 2026
India’s reservation jurisprudence generally imposes a practical limit of 50 per cent for caste-based reservations (unless a very strong justification). In late 2023, Bihar’s legislature passed amendment acts to expand quotas well beyond previous levels.
However, in June 2024, the Patna High Court struck down the increased quotas, reasoning that the state had not presented sufficient empirical justification for breaching the ceiling. As of now, the HC’s order holds unless a higher court intervenes.
Bihar government notification on quota hike (2023 amendment)
After the Governor assented to the bills, the state issued a notification stating:
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Who Can Apply for OFSS Bihar 2026? Check Eligibility Rules Here“quota for Scheduled Caste (SC) goes up to 20%, while that of Scheduled Tribe (ST) to 2%, Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) to 25% and OBC to 18%”.
Thus, for OFSS Bihar 2026, the operative rule is whatever the BSEB/OFSS notification states, bounded by existing court orders. Applicants should treat the official circular as the final authority, rather than speculation about expanded quotas.
Overview: OFSS Bihar 2026
| Article On | Reservation Rules in OFSS Bihar 2026: SC, ST, OBC, EWS Explained |
| Board | Bihar School Examination Board |
| Program | Online Facilitation System for students (OFSS) |
| Eligibility | Students who have passed class 10 |
| Application Method | Online Process |
| Category | Admissions |
| Official Website | ofssbihar.net. |
OFSS Bihar Admission: Who is eligible to apply?
The listed is the eligibility criteria to apply for the OFSS Bihar Admission-
- In Bihar, the students who have completed their 10th grade can apply for Bihar Intermediate Admission 2025 online.
- For admission to ofssbihar.In 2025, the students who have passed Class 10 or any other comparable test from a CBSE, CISCE or other recognised board are eligible.
State government’s appeal against the HC decision
“The Bihar government moved the Supreme Court on Tuesday, challenging the Patna High Court’s directive to ‘set aside’ the increase in the State’s reservation for disadvantaged communities, from the existing 50% to 65%.”
SNAPSHOT Table: SC, ST, OBC, EWS Explained
| Category on OFSS | Who can claim? | Documents required |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | Students listed in SC in the state/central schedules | Valid caste certificate from the competent authority; domicile proof |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | Students from the ST category per the notified lists | Valid certificate; domicile proof |
| OBC / BC / EBC | State-recognised backward or extremely backward class | State caste certificate in the prescribed format; occasionally, income proof if subquota |
| EWS | Students from Economically Weaker Sections (non-reserved castes) | EWS certificate (income/asset declaration as per format) |
“We increased the reservation for Dalits, tribals, backward classes and extremely backward classes.” — Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.
How Reservation Work in the OFSS Allocation?
Merit lists per category
OFSS typically generates separate merit lists for general and for each reserved category (SC, ST, OBC/EBC, EWS). A student who qualifies under more than one category may choose to avail the category with advantage.
Seat allotment within schools/colleges
Each school publishes a category-wise seat allocation (as per the OFSS published matrix). During rounds of allotment, seats reserved for SC, ST, OBC/EBC, and EWS are filled by respective category candidates.
Conversion/rollover
If reserved category seats remain unfilled (after all eligible candidates have exhausted), rules may allow such seats to convert to the general category (this depends on the notification). Whether rollover is allowed or not will be spelt out in the OFSS 2026 guidelines.
Physical verification after allotment
Once a seat is allotted, candidates must present original documents (caste, EWS, disability, domicile, etc.) for verification at the school. Failure to verify may lead to cancellation of allotment.
SNAPSHOT Table: Reservation System for OFSS Bihar
| Category | Total Seat Reservation |
| Scheduled Castes (SCs) | 1% |
| Scheduled Tribes (STs) | 16% |
| Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) | 12% |
| Classification: Extremely Backward | 18% |
| Women of the Backwards Class | 3% |
| Section with the Lowest Economy (EWS) | 10% |
| Divyang Students | 5% of the students in that group |
“The caste survey has provided us with comprehensive data. We will use it to introduce more measures … I will be glad if the Centre, too, agrees to a caste census and raises reservations across the country.” — Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bihar apply the 2023 law’s expanded quota (e.g. 65 %) in OFSS 2026?
Not by default. The Patna High Court struck down the 2023 quota expansions in June 2024. Unless a higher court reverses that, the quota in effect is that recognised under existing judgments and the OFSS 2026 notification.
Can I use a caste/EWS certificate from another state?
Usually no. State domicile and certificate acceptance rules apply. If you are a domicile of Bihar, you should use a Bihar-issued certificate. The OFSS prospectus defines which state’s certificates are acceptable.
What is the income threshold for EWS in Bihar?
The EWS certificate template will state the cut-off income/asset limit. This number can change year to year, so use the 2026 version from the state government or district authority.
Can a student from SC also compete under general (unreserved) if beneficial?
Yes, in many cases. If a reserved candidate’s merit is high enough to be listed in the general category, they can accept general allocation rather than wait for reserved seats.
What if my reservation category seat remains unfilled?
If, after all eligible applicants in that category are exhausted, the notification may permit unfilled seats to go into the general pool (conversion). Check whether the 2026 OFSS rules allow rollover or conversion.
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