---
title: "Creamy Layer: OBC Reservation Exclusion | Model Diplomat"
description: "The creamy layer refers to the affluent segment of India's OBCs excluded from reservation benefits, impacting policy and social equity discussions."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/creamy-layer"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The creamy layer is the relatively wealthy and advanced segment of India's Other Backward Classes that is excluded from reservation benefits.
- What is the current income limit for the creamy layer?
- Does the creamy layer apply to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
- How is the OBC creamy layer different from the EWS quota?
- What legal authority established the creamy layer doctrine?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The creamy layer is the relatively wealthy and advanced segment of India's Other Backward Classes that is excluded from reservation benefits.

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In 2017, the Government of India raised the OBC creamy-layer income ceiling from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum, excluding salary and agricultural income from the computation, through a Department of Personnel and Training notification.

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