August 8, 2025 
4 Min 
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Why did Maharashtra cancel the 10% EWS quota?
In a major update to medical admissions this year, the Maharashtra government has officially cancelled the 10% EWS quota in private medical colleges. This decision comes just weeks after the policy was introduced and has stirred conversations across the state. But why the sudden U-turn?
Let’s break down what happened and what it means for students preparing for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and BUMS courses in Maharashtra.
What Was the EWS Quota Policy?
The Maharashtra CET Cell had recently announced that a 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) would be applied to state quota seats in private unaided medical colleges (excluding minority institutes). The policy aimed to provide more opportunities to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
However, the key issue was that the government planned to implement this without increasing the total number of seats. With around 3,120 MBBS seats in 22 private medical colleges, this meant that general category students would lose a significant number of seats.
Why Did Maharashtra Cancel the 10% EWS Quota?
The decision to cancel the EWS quota was driven by strong opposition from students, parents, and education experts.
Many believed the policy was unfair because it reduced seats for general category students without expanding overall capacity. The impact of the EWS quota on the general category was immediate — students feared rising cut-offs and losing out on chances they had worked hard for.
Several stakeholders pointed out that the Supreme Court had already clarified that EWS reservations should only be implemented when new seats are added. Otherwise, it violates the principle of equity for other categories.
Faced with this backlash, the Medical Education Department of Maharashtra withdrew the policy on July 31, 2025. The government stated that the 10% EWS quota will only apply if additional seats are approved by the central government or medical councils.
What This Means for Students ?
For now, general category students can breathe a sigh of relief. The total seat count in private colleges will remain the same, and there will be no redistribution of seats due to the EWS quota.
This rollback also sets a clear precedent that any change in medical college reservation policy must follow proper legal and procedural guidelines. It also shows that student voices and public feedback can influence government decisions.
If you’re preparing for medical admissions in Maharashtra, it’s important to stay updated with changes like this. You can check our guide to MBBS admission counselling for the latest updates and expert help.
What About EWS Students?
This decision doesn’t mean the government is against helping EWS students. Instead, it shows that capacity must be expanded before any new reservation is introduced. Once additional seats are approved, the 10% EWS quota benefits can be implemented in a way that’s fair to everyone.
For now, government colleges and central institutions will continue to offer EWS reservations as per existing rules.
Final Thoughts
This episode highlights how education policy decisions must balance inclusivity and fairness. The cancellation of the 10% EWS quota in private medical colleges is not about rejecting reservation, it’s about doing it the right way.
At CollegeUstad, we’re here to help you make sense of these updates. Whether you’re planning for NEET 2026 or going through this year’s counselling, check out our medical admission resources for the support you need.
How College Ustad Helps
At College Ustad, we help students and parents understand the total MBBS seats in India, state-wise cut-offs, and college options. Our expert counselors guide you through every step of NEET counseling to maximize your chances of getting into the right medical college.
For detailed guidance on counseling and seat allotment, check our NEET Counseling Guide or explore Top Government Medical Colleges.
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