The Delhi government has hiked the OBC reservation in government aided and unaided institutions and in the state universities of Delhi from 21% to 27%.  The increase in quota will come into force from academic year 2012-13. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Monday.

After the meeting, chief minister Sheila Dikshit said the government has fulfilled its commitment to provide 27% reservation for OBC students. She added that the decision will go a long way in imparting higher and technical education to a large number of students from weaker sections resulting in their upliftment and providing them ample opportunities of employment.

The cabinet had decided in principle in 2008 to provide 27% reservation to OBC students. It also decided to grant 5% reservation in the first year to be implemented with effect from 2009-10. The percentage was hiked to 15% for the Academic Year 2010-11 and 21% for the year 2011-12.  The cabinet has now decided to hike the reservation for OBC students to 27% for the academic year 2012-13.  It will not affect any reduction in the SC quota. The number of admissions in each class in each discipline would be increased by 12% to ensure that the seats available for the general candidates are not reduced. The total number of seats will be increased accordingly.