Maharashtra Government Abolishes 5% Muslim Reservation in Jobs and Education

Mumbai, February 18, 2026: The Maharashtra government has revoked the 5% reservation previously granted to certain Muslim communities in government jobs and educational institutions. The decision was issued late Tuesday night by the Social Justice Department through an official government resolution (GR).

Background and Implementation
The 5% reservation had been provided to socially and educationally backward sections (SEBC) of the Muslim community for admissions in government and aided educational institutions, as well as recruitment in government and semi-government jobs. The decision to withdraw the quota aligns with court rulings and the legal position of policies dating back to 2014.

The Muslim community constitutes approximately 11.5% of Maharashtra’s population. Earlier studies, including the Rajinder Sachar Commission (2006) and Ranganath Mishra Committee (2004), highlighted economic and educational backwardness among sections of the community. In 2009, the Dr. Mahmoodur Rehman Committee recommended an 8% reservation for Muslims in education and employment.

2014 Policy and Subsequent Changes
Before the 2014 Assembly elections, the then Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance granting 16% reservation to Marathas and 5% to Muslims, extending benefits to 50 Muslim sub-communities under the newly created SEBC-A category. The recent GR effectively cancels the 5% quota, marking a significant policy change under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ government.