What is the Difference Between OC and SC and ST and BC and OBC?

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The caste system in India is ancient and divides society into different classes. The Indian government has introduced reservations for lower classes to support their upliftment and development. Here are the differences between OC, SC, ST, BC, and OBC:

  1. OC (Open Category): This category includes all general castes and classes that are not covered under any affirmative quotas. It mainly comprises the three highest classes in the ancient Hindu society: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas.
  2. SC (Scheduled Caste): Scheduled castes are those that are included in the Indian government's list of socially and educationally disadvantaged castes. They have been recognized as being historically discriminated against and have been given special provisions to improve their social and educational status.
  3. ST (Scheduled Tribe): Scheduled tribes are those that are included in the Indian government's list of traditionally disadvantaged indigenous tribes. They make up about 7-8% of the Indian population and have been given special provisions to improve their social and educational status.
  4. BC (Backward Class): This category includes people who belong to backward areas.
  5. OBC (Other Backward Classes): OBCs are a large group of people from heterogeneous and economically and socially backward classes. They form a significant portion of the Indian population (around 30%) and have been given special provisions to improve their social and educational status.

These classifications are used by the Indian government to provide reservations and support for the upliftment of the lower classes in society.

Comparative Table: OC vs SC vs ST vs BC vs OBC

The differences between OC, SC, ST, BC, and OBC are based on the Indian caste system and the government's reservation policies for education and employment opportunities. Here's a table summarizing the differences:

Category Meaning Reservation in Government Jobs Reservation in Government Educational Institutions
OC Other Category (General) None None
BC Backward Category (Backward Places) None None
SC Scheduled Caste (Backward by Caste) 15% 15%
ST Scheduled Tribe (Backward by Tribe) 7.5% 7.5%
OBC Other Backward Classes/Castes 27% 27%

OC is the general category, which includes all castes and tribes that are not part of the reservation system. BC refers to people belonging to backward places, while SC and ST are categories for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, respectively, which are considered disadvantaged groups in Indian society. OBC stands for Other Backward Classes/Castes, which is a large and heterogeneous group that also receives reservation benefits.