The Maharashtra government has officially withdrawn the 5% reservation for the Muslim community in government jobs and educational institutions in 2026. This decision comes after the previous ordinance providing the quota lapsed. A new Government Resolution (GR) issued yesterday confirms the cancellation. This move impacts thousands of applicants who previously sought benefits under the Special Backward Category (A).
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Status |
| Muslim Community | 5% | Cancelled |
| Maratha Community | 16% | Subject to Legal Review |
| Effective Date | February 2026 | Immediate |
| Policy Source | Government Resolution (GR) | Official |
The state government withdrew all circulars and decisions dating back to 2014. Previously, the Congress-NCP government granted this quota to socially and educationally backward Muslim groups. However, the court placed an interim stay on the decision. Since the ordinance was not converted into a law in time, it has now lost its legal standing.
Also Read: Reservation System in India
As a result of this new order, the government has stopped several administrative processes:
- Authorities will no longer issue caste certificates to Muslims under the Special Backward Category.
- The state has stopped providing non-creamy layer certificates for this specific quota.
- Government and semi-government bodies will no longer reserve seats under the 5% category.
The government states that the withdrawal is a technical necessity since the original ordinance expired. This change shifts the current reservation landscape in Maharashtra significantly.
