Andaman & Nicobar EWS Certificate: Islander Card & Application Guide

Spread across hundreds of islands in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands follow a distinct revenue administration system for issuing citizen certificates and residency-related documents. Eligible residents belonging to the unreserved category can obtain an Income and Asset Certificate to claim EWS reservation benefits in higher education, competitive examinations, scholarships, and government recruitment where proof of economic eligibility is required.

The certificate is particularly useful for candidates seeking admission to central educational institutions, participating in national-level entrance examinations, or applying for government jobs under the Economically Weaker Section quota. Residents can access the service through the islands' digital governance platforms or by approaching the concerned revenue authorities in their respective areas.

With this certificate, eligible general category residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands can claim 10% reservation in central government jobs, central educational institutions, IITs, NITs, central universities, NEET All India Quota seats, and various Andaman and Nicobar Administration schemes.

Applications are submitted through the eDistrict portal at edistrict.andamannicobar.gov.in, through the eServices portal at eservices.andamannicobar.gov.in (built on NIC ServicePlus), through e-Corner kiosks, through CSC centres across the islands, or offline at the Tehsildar office of your area. The UMANG app also integrates Andaman and Nicobar Administration services at web.umang.gov.in.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an EWS Certificate in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:

• You must be a permanent resident of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and belong to the general (unreserved) category. You must not belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories
• Your family's gross annual income from all sources must be below Rs. 8 lakh for the financial year preceding the year of application. Income includes salary, agriculture, business, profession, rent, and any other source
• Your family must not own 5 acres of agricultural land or more
• Your family must not own a residential flat of 1,000 sq ft or more
• Your family must not own a residential plot of 100 sq yards or more in a notified municipality
• Your family must not own a residential plot of 200 sq yards or more outside notified municipalities

All four asset conditions must be satisfied alongside the income condition. Income is always on a gross basis. "Family" includes the applicant, parents, spouse, children below 18 years, and unmarried siblings below 18 years.

Islander Card: A&N's Unique Identity Document

The Islander Card (also called Islanders Identity Card) is a unique identity document issued exclusively to permanent residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is not issued in any other state or UT of India. The Islander Card proves that the holder is a recognised permanent resident of the islands and is maintained by the Revenue Department.

For the EWS certificate application, the Islander Card is accepted as ID proof along with Aadhaar card. The official South Andaman District website confirms that the accepted ID proof for revenue certificates is either the Islander Card or Aadhaar card. If you are a permanent resident and hold an Islander Card, carry it as your primary identity document when applying for the EWS certificate.

The Islander Card also plays a role in Local Certificate applications (another unique A&N document) which may be a supporting document for EWS residency proof.

Revenue Administration in A&N Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands has three revenue districts. Each district has Tehsil offices managed by Tehsildars who issue revenue certificates:

• South Andaman District: Tehsildar offices at Port Blair, Ferrargunj, and Little Andaman. Most residents of the main Andaman islands fall under South Andaman
• North and Middle Andaman District: Tehsildar offices covering North and Middle Andaman islands including Diglipur, Rangat, and Mayabunder areas
• Nicobar District: Covers Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, and other Nicobar islands. Revenue services are handled through the district administration at Car Nicobar

Your application must be submitted to the Tehsildar of the Tehsil where your permanent residence is located.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready. For online applications, files must be in PDF or JPEG format. For offline applications at the Tehsildar office, carry self-attested photocopies and originals:

• ID Proof: Islander Card (Islanders Identity Card) OR Aadhaar Card of the applicant. The South Andaman District official website confirms Islander Card or Aadhaar as accepted ID proof
• Ration Card showing family members and A&N Islands address
• Affidavit: A declaration of annual income from all sources on a Rs. 10 non-judicial stamp paper, duly signed before a Notary. This is the primary income self-declaration document specific to A&N Islands. The affidavit must state income from all sources for all family members
• Income proof for government employees: Pay Certificate from the current employer (salary certificate issued by the Head of Office or Drawing and Disbursing Officer)
• Income proof for private employees and others: Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the previous financial year
• Local Certificate: The Local Certificate issued by the Tehsildar is a unique A&N document that establishes permanent residency. It serves as an additional residence proof. Two categories exist: 10-year duration Local Certificate and Pre-1942/Settler Local Certificate. Either is accepted as residence proof
• Land records: Documents showing agricultural land held by family members if any. If no land is owned, include in the affidavit
• Property documents: Property tax receipt or registered deed showing area of any residential property owned. If none, include in the affidavit
• Court Fee Stamp of 25 paise: Applications addressed to the Tehsildar must have a court fee stamp of 25 paise affixed. This is confirmed from the official IndiaFilings citation of the A&N income certificate process. Affixed on the application letter or form
• Passport-size photograph of the applicant

Method 1: Apply Online Through eDistrict Portal

1. Go to edistrict.andamannicobar.gov.in
2. Click on the Login link on the homepage. If you are a new user, click the registration link. Enter your name, email ID, mobile number, and create a login. Your account is created. Note: the eDistrict portal states that registration is required only once. After registration, use your username and password for all future logins
3. Log in with your registered credentials
4. Browse the list of available e-services on the portal
5. Find and select the EWS certificate or Income and Asset Certificate for Economically Weaker Sections service
6. Fill in the application form with personal details: name, father's name, address, district, Tehsil, and mobile number
7. Fill in income details from all sources for all family members. Fill in asset details: land and property owned
8. Upload all required documents: ID proof (Islander Card or Aadhaar), Ration Card, Affidavit on Rs. 10 stamp paper (PDF scan), Pay Certificate or ITR, and passport-size photograph
9. Pay the applicable service fee online. A service charge of Rs. 10 applies for income-related certificate services in A&N Islands as confirmed from official sources
10. Submit the application. An Application Reference Number is generated. Save this for tracking
11. The application is forwarded to the Tehsildar of your area for verification and approval
12. Once approved, log in and download the digitally signed certificate from the portal

Method 2: Apply Through eServices Portal (NIC ServicePlus)

1. Go to eservices.andamannicobar.gov.in
2. Click on Login. If you are a new user, register by clicking the registration link. Enter your name, email, mobile number, and password. After registration, log in with your credentials
3. Click Apply for Services from the left menu, then click View All Available Services
4. Browse or search for the EWS certificate service and click Apply
5. Fill in all details, upload documents, and pay the fee as described in the online steps above
6. Submit and save the Application Reference Number
7. Track status by logging in and checking your application history, or through the Track Application option on the portal

Method 3: Apply Through e-Corner Kiosk or CSC

The official South Andaman District website confirms that certificates can be applied for "Through e-forms via CSC/e-corner/internet." e-Corner kiosks and CSC centres are present across the main islands in Port Blair and other accessible areas.

1. Visit your nearest e-Corner kiosk or CSC centre. These are present across the main South Andaman, North and Middle Andaman islands in accessible locations
2. Carry your Islander Card or Aadhaar card, ration card, affidavit on Rs. 10 stamp paper, Pay Certificate or ITR, and passport-size photograph
3. Tell the operator you need the EWS Income and Asset Certificate
4. The operator fills and submits the application through the eDistrict or eServices portal on your behalf. Documents are scanned and uploaded
5. Pay the government fee plus the operator's service charge. Collect the Application Reference Number from the operator
6. Track status and download the certificate using the Reference Number once approved

Method 4: Apply Offline at the Tehsildar Office

1. Identify the correct Tehsildar office for your area. South Andaman residents: Tehsildar offices at Port Blair, Ferrargunj, and Little Andaman. North and Middle Andaman residents: Tehsildar offices at Diglipur, Rangat, and Mayabunder
2. Write an application letter addressed to The Tehsildar of your concerned Tehsil. Affix a court fee stamp of 25 paise on the application letter
3. The application should be submitted from the Head of Family. Mention the purpose of the certificate (EWS Income and Asset Certificate) and state total annual family income from all sources in the letter
4. Attach self-attested photocopies of all required documents: Islander Card or Aadhaar, ration card, affidavit on Rs. 10 stamp paper, Pay Certificate or ITR, and passport-size photograph
5. Submit the completed application with all attachments at the Tehsildar office counter. Provide your mobile number for communication
6. The counter staff issues an acknowledgement receipt. The Tehsildar verifies the documents and may initiate a field enquiry to verify income and residence
7. Once approved, the Tehsildar issues the certificate. Collect it from the Tehsildar office or download it from the eDistrict portal if the application was entered into the system

Application Fee

The service charge for income-related certificates in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Rs. 10 as confirmed from official sources for income certificate services. For offline applications, a court fee stamp of 25 paise is affixed on the application letter. The total cost is minimal. CSC and e-Corner operators charge an additional service fee for their assistance.

Processing Time

The EWS certificate in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is typically issued within 15 to 21 working days of application submission. Processing depends on the Tehsildar's verification and any field enquiry required. Applications through the online portals with complete documents are processed faster. Remote island locations including Nicobar District and outer islands of North Andaman may take longer due to logistical constraints.

Validity of the EWS Certificate in A&N Islands

The EWS certificate is valid for one financial year (April 1 to March 31). It must be renewed every year by applying fresh. For NEET All India Quota counselling in June or July, apply for a fresh certificate after April 1 of that year. For central government jobs, check the specific recruitment notification for validity requirements.

How to Track Application Status

1. Go to edistrict.andamannicobar.gov.in
2. Log in with your credentials
3. Go to your application history to see the current status of your EWS certificate application

For eServices portal applications, go to eservices.andamannicobar.gov.in, log in, and check the application status section.