Reservation

noun

/ˌrɛzərˈveɪʃən/

A system of affirmative action in India that sets aside a proportion of seats in government jobs, educational institutions, and elected bodies for members of historically disadvantaged groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections) to promote social equality and correct historical injustice.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

While the policy of reservation has been instrumental in widening representation for historically marginalised communities, its critics contend that without a sunset clause and periodic review it risks entrenching the very identities the Constitution sought to transcend.

Synonyms

qualificationmisgivinghesitationdoubtprovisoscruple

Antonyms

acceptanceendorsementconfidencewholeheartedness

🌱 Word Family

reserve (v/n), reserved (adj), reservist (n), unreserved (adj), reservable (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin reservāre = to keep back; re- = back + servāre = to keep, save, preserve; reservātiōnem = a keeping back

📜 Etymology

From Latin reservationem (nominative reservatio, "a keeping back"), from reservare ("to keep back, save up"), from re- ("back") + servare ("to keep, save, preserve").

🧠 Memory Hook

Re- (back) + serve: to "re-serve" is to hold something back, whether a hotel seat kept for you, a quota of jobs set aside, or an unspoken doubt you keep in reserve.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Prelims 2025 — Constitutional Framework
Prelims 2024 — Women's Reservation
Prelims 2024 — Women & Gender
Prelims 2015 — Environmental Laws
Prelims 1997 — Local Government
Mains 2019 · GS2 · 15 marks — Social Justice
Mains 2018 · GS2 · 10 marks — Indian Polity

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Reservation” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: Social Legislation & Reservation Polic...

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