Which of the following categories has the highest position in terms of social ranking in recruitment categories?

The category with the highest position in terms of social ranking in recruitment categories is the Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The EWS category was introduced by the Government of India to provide reservation benefits to individuals who are not covered under any other existing category of reservation, provided they fall within a specific economic criterion. This means that EWS candidates are often given certain advantages in recruitment processes due to their economic background rather than their social standing.

In contrast, the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories were established to address historical injustices and provide opportunities for communities that have been marginalized socially and educationally. While these categories also receive reservations to enhance their representation in various sectors, they are often viewed in the context of social disadvantage rather than economic status strictly.

Thus, while SC, ST, and OBC categories serve essential purposes in providing social equity, the EWS category stands out as it focuses specifically on economic criteria, positioning it differently within the ranking of categories related to recruitment. The socio-economic context of these groups defines their placement and the policies that govern their recruitment benefits.