The Backward Classes Welfare Department of the Government of West Bengal has issued a major administrative directive regarding OBC reservation. This change is set to overhaul the 100-point roster currently used for state government recruitment and promotions.
On May 18, 2026, Sanjay Bansal (IAS), Secretary of the Backward Classes Welfare Department, released an official notification. This move comes as a direct result of the Calcutta High Court Division Bench’s verdict from May 22, 2024. Consequently, the state’s long-standing OBC reservation norms have undergone significant revisions.
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Withdrawal of Previous Notifications
Following the Governor’s orders, several notifications issued in 2025 have been withdrawn with immediate effect. These orders, which faced scrutiny in both the Supreme Court and the High Court, are no longer valid. The cancelled notifications are:
- Notification dated May 8, 2025.
- Notification dated May 27, 2025.
- Two separate notifications dated June 3, 2025.
- Notification dated June 12, 2025.
Additionally, the Labour Department has been instructed to revise and re-issue the 100-point roster that was published on January 27, 2026.
7 Percent Reservation for 66 Castes
In line with the Calcutta High Court judgment, only the 66 castes that were part of the state’s OBC list prior to 2010 are now considered valid for reservation. Previously, the state operated under a 17 percent reservation policy, split between OBC-A (10%) and OBC-B (7%); however, this structure has now been scrapped.
Under the new directive, these 66 specific OBC castes will now receive a consolidated 7 percent reservation in state government jobs and posts. The list comprises communities from both Hindu and Muslim backgrounds. A full list of these 66 castes has been provided alongside the notification to help applicants verify their eligibility.
Practical Impact on Government Jobs
This shift to a new roster will directly influence recruitment workflows and how vacancies are filled. All hiring departments are now required to align their vacancy registers with the new 7 percent quota. This means that previous roster points designated for OBC-A or OBC-B categories must be reconfigured.
For job seekers, this brings both clarity and a shift in the competitive landscape. Anyone belonging to the 66 recognized castes should ensure their documentation is in order and matches the pre-2010 schedule.
What Should Candidates Do?
If you are an OBC candidate, you should first confirm whether your caste is among the 66 recognized entities in the latest order. You can find this list on the Backward Classes Welfare Department portal. While previous appointments remain protected by court orders, all future recruitment cycles will be required to strictly adhere to this new 100-point roster.
Ultimately, this move is intended to streamline the reservation process and minimize legal hurdles in state government hiring. Candidates are advised to keep a close watch on the Labour Department’s upcoming vacancy notices for the updated roster distribution.
